System and Method for Providing an Interactive Vehicle Diagnostic Display

ABSTRACT

A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental information. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the first symbol without displaying the set and the supplemental information. While the image and the first symbol are displayed without the set, the CCS receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively displays the set. While the set is displayed, the CCS receives a second input corresponding to selection of a first selectable identifier from the set. The CCS then responsively displays the respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/497,055, filed on Oct. 8, 2021. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/497,055 published on Jan. 27, 2022 as UnitedStates Patent Application Publication number 2022/0027023 A1. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/497,055 is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/993,223, filed on Aug. 13, 2020.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/993,223 published on Nov. 26, 2020as United States Patent Application Publication number 2020/0371650 A1and issued on Jan. 11, 2022 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,221,738. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/993,223 is a continuation application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/542,262, filed on Aug. 15, 2019. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/542,262 published on Dec. 5, 2019 asUnited States Patent Application Publication number US 2019/0369821 A1and issued on Nov. 24, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,845,961. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/542,262 is a continuation application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/286,169 filed Oct. 5, 2016. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/286,169 published as United States PatentApplication Publication number US 2018/0095609 A1 on Apr. 5, 2018 andissued on Oct. 1, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,430,026. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/286,169, U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/542,262, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/993,223, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/497,055, United States Patent ApplicationPublication number US 2018/0095609 A1, United States Patent ApplicationPublication number US 2019/0369821 A1, United States Patent ApplicationPublication number 2020/0371650 A1, and United States Patent ApplicationPublication number 2022/0027023 A1 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Most vehicles are serviced at least once during their useful life. Inmany instances, a vehicle is serviced at a facility with professionalmechanics (e.g., technicians), though in other instances, techniciansand/or other professionals (or non-professionals) who are servicing thevehicle can do so at other locations, such as on the road. Thetechnicians can use any of a variety of computerized tools and/ornon-computerized tools to service (e.g., repair) any of the wide varietyof mechanical vehicle components on a vehicle. While servicing avehicle, a technician may desire to see information related to variousvehicle components, such as circuits in a wiring harness of the vehicle,so that the technician can more accurately and quickly diagnose thevehicle.

OVERVIEW

Several example embodiments that relate to interactive vehiclediagnostic displays are described herein.

Viewed from one aspect, an example embodiment takes the form of a methodcomprising: (a) receiving, by at least one processor connected to adisplay, a download including (i) an image representative of a vehiclecomponent, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a setof selectable identifiers, the set including one or more selectableidentifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with thevehicle component, wherein each selectable identifier of the setindicates a respective portion of the supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component and, when selected, causes thedisplay to display the respective portion of the supplementalinformation, (b) displaying, on the display after receiving thedownload, the image and the first symbol without displaying the set ofselectable identifiers, (c) receiving, by the at least one processorwhile the image and the first symbol are displayed on the displaywithout the set of selectable identifiers, a first input correspondingto selection of the first symbol, (d) displaying, on the display inresponse to receiving the first input, the set of selectableidentifiers, (e) receiving, by the at least one processor while the setof selectable identifiers is displayed, a second input corresponding toselection of a first selectable identifier from the displayed set ofselectable identifiers, and (f) displaying, on the display in responseto receiving the second input, the respective portion of thesupplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.

Viewed from another aspect, an example embodiment takes the form of asystem comprising: a display, at least one processor, and data storagecomprising instructions executable by the at least one processor tocause the system to perform operations comprising: (a) receiving adownload including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component,(ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set ofselectable identifiers, the set including one or more selectableidentifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with thevehicle component, wherein each selectable identifier of the setindicates a respective portion of the supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component and, when selected, causes thedisplay to display the respective portion of the supplementalinformation, (b) displaying, on the display after receiving thedownload, the image and the first symbol without displaying the set ofselectable identifiers, (c) receiving, while the image and the firstsymbol are displayed on the display without the set of selectableidentifiers, a first input corresponding to selection of the firstsymbol, (d) displaying, on the display in response to receiving thefirst input, the set of selectable identifiers, (e) receiving, while theset of selectable identifiers is displayed, a second input correspondingto selection of a first selectable identifier from the displayed set ofselectable identifiers, and (f) displaying, on the display in responseto receiving the second input, the respective portion of thesupplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.

Viewed from yet another aspect, an example embodiment takes the form ofa non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereoninstructions that, upon execution by a computing system, cause thecomputing system to perform operations comprising: (a) receiving, by atleast one processor of the computing system connected to a display ofthe computing system, a download including (i) an image representativeof a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol,(iii) a set of selectable identifiers, the set including one or moreselectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associatedwith the vehicle component, wherein each selectable identifier of theset indicates a respective portion of the supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component and, when selected, causes thedisplay to display the respective portion of the supplementalinformation, (b) displaying, on the display after receiving thedownload, the image and the first symbol without displaying the set ofselectable identifiers, (c) receiving, by the at least one processorwhile the image and the first symbol are displayed on the displaywithout the set of selectable identifiers, a first input correspondingto selection of the first symbol, (d) displaying, on the display inresponse to receiving the first input, the set of selectableidentifiers, (e) receiving, by the at least one processor while the setof selectable identifiers is displayed, a second input corresponding toselection of a first selectable identifier from the displayed set ofselectable identifiers, and (f) displaying, on the display in responseto receiving the second input, the respective portion of thesupplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.

These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detaileddescription, with reference where appropriate to the accompanyingdrawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodimentsdescribed in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be examplesonly and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example operating environment in whichthe example embodiments can operate.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example client computing system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a set of functions that can be carriedout in accordance with the example embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows an example display user interface.

FIG. 5 shows an example display user interface.

FIG. 6 shows an example display user interface.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a set of functions that can be carriedout in accordance with the example embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an example display user interface.

FIG. 9 shows an example display user interface.

FIG. 10 shows an example display user interface.

FIG. 11 shows an example display user interface.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a computing systemthat is arranged in accordance with at least some example embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating a conceptual partial view of acomputer program product for executing a computer process on a computingsystem, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Introduction

This description describes several example embodiments, at least somewhich pertain to interactive vehicle diagnostic displays. The exampleembodiments can include a first device, such as a client computingsystem (or more simply, “client” or “CCS”), receiving from a seconddevice, such as a server computing system (or more simply, “server” or“SCS”), a download including data for enabling a user of the CCS (e.g.,a technician) to view at least one vehicle component as well assupplemental information associated with each vehicle component. Forinstance, in accordance with the example embodiments, the download caninclude (i) an image representative of a vehicle component (e.g., animage of a wiring harness), (ii) symbol data associated with a firstsymbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv)supplemental information associated with the vehicle component, whereeach selectable identifier of the set can indicate (e.g., identify) arespective portion of the supplemental information associated with thevehicle component. Supplemental information can include diagnosticinformation and/or other types of information.

As such, one or more of the example embodiments can comprise, afterreceiving the download, the CCS displaying the image and the firstsymbol, without displaying any other information associated with thevehicle component that was included in the download. While displayingthe image and the first symbol, the CCS can next receive user-inputcorresponding to user selection of the first symbol, and canresponsively display the set of selectable identifiers. Then, whiledisplaying the set of selectable identifiers, the CCS can receiveanother user-input corresponding to user selection of one of theselectable identifiers and can responsively display the portion ofsupplemental information indicated by the selected identifier.

A download received at a CCS can comprise a variety of download content(or more simply “content”). In general, the content of the download cancomprise, for example, images, symbol data, supplemental informationassociated with a vehicle component, identifiers of respective portionsof the supplemental information, and/or links to additional downloadcontent. For example, a download received at the CCS can include enoughdata for enabling the technician to seamlessly and efficiently viewinformation associated with the vehicle component without necessitatingdownload of additional information associated with the vehiclecomponent. As another example, a download received at the CCS caninclude (i) a subset of the images, symbol data, identifiers, and/orsupplemental information associated with a vehicle component, and (ii) ahyperlink or other mechanism for providing the SCS with a request foradditional information associated with the vehicle component.

Other examples of interactive vehicle diagnostic displays are possibleas well.

Although a CCS (including its user interface, such as a display) isdescribed primarily herein as an entity separate from a vehicle, itshould be noted that, in some embodiments, the CCS could be included asa component of a vehicle, such as the vehicle having the vehiclecomponent or a different vehicle. In such embodiments, a driver of thevehicle, a technician, or the like can view diagnostics for the vehiclecomponent on the vehicle itself or on a different vehicle.

II. Example Systems

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example operating environment 1 in whichthe example embodiments can operate. The operating environment 1includes a client computing system (CCS) 2, a server computing system(SCS) 4, a communication network 6, a vehicle 8, and communication links9, 10, 11, 12. The communication network 6 can include the communicationlinks 9, 10, 11, 12 as well as other communication links (not shown).The communication network 6 and the communication links 9, 10, 11, 12can include various network elements such as switches, modems, gateways,antennas, cables, transmitters, and receivers. The communication network6 can comprise a wide area network (WAN). The WAN can carry data usingpacket-switched and/or circuit-switched technologies. The WAN caninclude an air interface and/or wire to carry the data. Additionally oralternatively, the communication network can comprise a local areanetwork (LAN), private or otherwise.

A CCS, such as CCS 2, can take various forms. For example, a CCS can bea specialty computing system, or “specialty CCS”, specificallyconfigured in whole or in part for the purpose of servicing vehicles. Aspecialty CCS can include unique elements for facilitating servicing ofvehicles or can otherwise be uniquely configured in such a way thatdistinguishes the specialty CCS from another type of computing system. Aspecialty CCS can be configured to perform various functions associatedwith servicing vehicles, can include communication interfaces with othersystems/servers/networks associated with servicing vehicles, and can beconfigured to send and receive data over those interfaces in accordancewith one or more protocols associated with servicing vehicles.Alternatively, a CCS can be a general purpose, non-specialty computingsystem, such as a general purpose smart phone, desktop computer, laptopcomputer, or the like.

As a general matter, a CCS—specialty or general purpose—can take theform of a hand-held device, laptop computer, desktop computer, and/oranother type of device.

In line with the discussion above, a SCS, such as SCS 4, can takevarious forms as well, such as a specialty SCS specifically/uniquelyconfigured for the purpose of servicing vehicles, or a general-purposeSCS.

A vehicle, such as vehicle 8, is a mobile machine that can be used totransport a person, people, and/or cargo. Any vehicle described hereincan be driven and/or otherwise guided along a path (e.g., a paved roador otherwise) on land, in water, in the air, and/or outer space. Anyvehicle described herein can be wheeled, tracked, railed, and/or skied.Any vehicle described herein can include an automobile, a motorcycle, anall-terrain vehicle (ATV) defined by ANSI/SVIA-1-2007, a snowmobile, apersonal watercraft (e.g., a JET SKI® personal watercraft), a light-dutytruck, a medium-duty truck, a heavy-duty truck, a semi-tractor, and/or afarm machine. As an example, a vehicle guided along a path can include avan (such as a dry or refrigerated van), a tank trailer, a platformtrailer, or an automobile carrier. Any vehicle described herein caninclude and/or use any appropriate voltage and/or current source, suchas a battery, an alternator, a fuel cell, and the like, providing anyappropriate current and/or voltage, such as about 12 volts, about 42volts, and the like. Any vehicle described herein can include and/or useany desired system and/or engine to provide its mobility. Those systemsand/or engines can include vehicle components that use fossil fuels,such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, and the like, electricity, suchas that generated by a battery, magneto, fuel cell, solar cell and thelike, wind and hybrids and/or combinations thereof.

Some vehicles can be identified by characteristics of the vehicle suchas when the vehicle was built (e.g., a vehicle year), who built thevehicle (e.g., a vehicle make), marketing names associated with vehicle(e.g., a vehicle model name, or more simply “model”), and features ofthe vehicle (e.g., an engine type). This description uses anabbreviation YMME and/or Y/M/M/E, where each letter in the order shownrepresents a model year, vehicle make, vehicle model name, and enginetype, respectively. This description uses an abbreviation YMM and/orY/M/M, where each letter in the order shown represents a model year,vehicle make, and vehicle model name, respectively. An example Y/M/M/Eis 2004/Toyota/Camry/4 Cyl, in which “2004” represents the model yearthe vehicle was built, “Toyota” represents the name of the vehiclemanufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation, Aichi Japan, “Camry” represents avehicle model built by that manufacturer, and “4 Cyl” represents a anengine type (i.e., a four cylinder internal combustion engine) withinthe vehicle. A person skilled in the art will understand that otherfeatures in addition to or as an alternative to “engine type” can beused to identify a vehicle. These other features can be identified invarious manners, such as a regular production option (RPO) code, such asthe RPO codes defined by the General Motors Company LLC, Detroit Mich.

A vehicle communication link within a vehicle can include one or moreconductors (e.g., copper wire conductors) and/or can be wireless. As anexample, a vehicle communication link can include one or two conductorsfor carrying vehicle data messages in accordance with a vehicle datamessage (VDM) protocol. A VDM protocol can include a Society ofAutomotive Engineers (SAE) J1850 (PWM or VPW) VDM protocol, anInternational Organization of Standardization (ISO) 15764-4 controllerarea network (CAN) VDM protocol, an ISO 9141-2 K-Line VDM protocol, anISO 14230-4 KWP2000 K-Line VDM protocol, or some other protocolpresently defined for performing communications within a vehicle. TheCCS, such as a specialty CCS, can include a transceiver connectable to avehicle communication link and a processor to transmit and receivevehicle communications via the vehicle communication link.

Any vehicle described herein can include an electronic control unit(ECU), a data link connector (DLC), and a vehicle communication linkthat connects the DLC to the ECU. An ECU can control various aspects ofvehicle operation and/or vehicle components within a vehicle. Forexample, the ECU can include a powertrain (PT) system ECU, an enginecontrol module (ECM) ECU, a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR)system (i.e., an air bag system) ECU, an entertainment system ECU, orsome other ECU. The ECU can receive inputs (e.g., a sensor input),control output devices (e.g., a solenoid), generate a VDM (such as a VDMbased on a received input or a controlled output), and set a diagnostictrouble code (DTC) as being active or history for a detected fault orfailure condition within a vehicle.

The DLC can include an on-board diagnostic (OBD) II connector. An OBD IIconnector can include slots for retaining up to sixteen connectorterminals, but can include a different number of slots or no slots atall. As an example, a DLC connector can include an OBD II connector thatmeets the SAE J1962 specification such as a connector 16M, part number12110252, available from Delphi Automotive LLP of Troy, Mich. The DLCcan include conductor terminals that connect to a conductor in avehicle. For instance, the DLC can include connector terminals thatconnect to conductors that respectively connect to positive and negativeterminals of a vehicle battery. The DLC can include one or moreconductor terminals that connect to a conductor of the vehiclecommunication link such that the DLC is communicatively connected to theECU.

The server 4 can be scaled so as to be able to serve any number of CCSsand/or vehicles, such as one CCS and one vehicle (as shown in FIG. 1 ),one thousand CCSs and two thousand vehicles, or some other number ofclients and vehicles. Furthermore, each CCS can be connected to vehicle8, and subsequently connected to a different vehicle and/or reconnectedto vehicle 8, such that each CCS can communicate with multiple vehicles.

The CCS 2 and/or the vehicle 8 can be located at the same location asone another or remotely from one another at separate, distinctlocations. For example, both the CCS 2 and the vehicle 8 can be locatedat a repair shop. As another example, both the CCS 2 and the vehicle 8can be located out on the road. As yet another example, the CCS 2 can belocated at a repair shop and the vehicle 8 can be located out on theroad. One or more of these locations can also include variouscomputerized shop tools (CSTs) and/or non-computerized shop tools, suchas a battery charger, torque wrench, brake lathe, fuel pressure gauge,wheel balancer, etc. Further, one or more of the shop tools and/or theCCS 2 can be operable outside of a repair shop. For example, CCS 2 canbe operable within the vehicle 8 as the vehicle 8 is driven on roadsoutside of the repair shop for any of a variety of purposes.

The vehicle 8 can transmit to the CCS 2 various data, such as OBD data(e.g., diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), measurements read by a shop toolfrom a VDM, real-time and/or non-real-time electrical measurements(e.g., sensor readings), and/or other types of data. For example, thevehicle 8 can transmit data directly to the CCS 2 over communicationlink 11. As another example, the vehicle 8 can transmit data indirectlyto the CCS 2 by transmitting the data over communication link 12,communication network 6, and communication link 10 to the SCS 4, afterwhich the SCS 4 can transmit the data over communication link 10,communication network 6, and communication link 9 to the CCS 2. Thevehicle 8 can perform such an indirect transmission of data with orwithout specifying the CCS 2 as a destination for the data. Forinstance, the vehicle 8 (and perhaps other vehicles in communicationwith the SCS 4) can transmit data to the SCS 4, specifying only the SCS4 as the destination for the data. Thereafter, CCS 2 can transmit to SCS4 a request for the data, SCS 4 can assemble the data and transmit thedata to the CCS 2 in response to the request.

The CCS 2, the SCS 4, and/or the vehicle 8 can transmit data to (andreceive data from) other devices on the communication network 6 as well,such as one or more databases (not shown) to which the CCS 2, the SCS 4,and/or the vehicle 8 have access.

For any given computer device discussed herein, such as the CCS 2, theSCS 4, and/or the vehicle 8, data received by that device can be storedwithin a computer-readable medium for use by that device. Further, forany given computer device discussed herein, such as the CCS 2, the SCS4, and/or the vehicle 8, data received by that device can be storedlocally in memory at that device and/or can be stored remotely at astorage location accessible by that device (e.g., a remote server orremote database).

One or more CCSs and/or one or more vehicles can be connected by anetwork established by those devices, such as a vehicle-to-clientnetwork, or the like. Such a network can comprise a personal areanetwork (PAN). The PAN can be configured according to any of a varietyof standards, protocols, and/or specifications. For example, the PAN canbe configured according to a universal serial bus (USB) specification2.0, 3.0, or 3.1 developed by the USB Implementers Forum. As anotherexample, the PAN can be configured according to an Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard, such as an IEEE802.11 standard (e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n) or an IEEE802.15 standard (e.g., 802.15.1, 802.15,3, 802.15.4, or 802.15.5) forwireless PAN.

In example operating environment 1, there can be a scenario in which theCCS 2 transmits to the SCS 4 a request for a download of information(e.g., information associated with a vehicle component for a particularvehicle). Such a request can include, for example, a YMM of a particularvehicle and a name of a particular vehicle component. As anotherexample, the request can include a YMME of a particular vehicle and anindication (e.g., a description or code) of a particular symptomassociated with a particular vehicle component. As yet another example,the request can include data received from the vehicle for which theinformation is being requested, and such data can include a vehicleidentification number (VIN) of the vehicle, a DTC indicative of aparticular vehicle component of the vehicle, an image of a particularvehicle component, among other possibilities. In this scenario, uponreceipt of the request, the SCS 4 can assemble the download. Forinstance, upon receipt of the request, the SCS 4 can retrieve some orall of the CC S-requested information from memory at the SCS 4.Additionally or alternatively, upon receipt of the request, the SCS 4can in turn transmit to one or more databases located remotely from theSCS 4 a request for some or all of the CCS-requested information andthen receive some or all of the CCS-requested information from the oneor more databases. Upon assembling the download including theCCS-requested information, the SCS 4 can transmit the download to theCCS 2.

Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a client computing system (CC S) 100.As shown in FIG. 2 , the CCS 100 includes a processor 101, a CRM 102, auser interface 103, a transceiver 104, a DLC interface 105, and acapture device 107. Two or more of those elements can be communicativelycoupled and/or linked together via a system bus, network, and/or otherconnection mechanism 108. Any client described in this description canbe configured like the CCS 100 (e.g., include the elements of the CCS100). Alternatively, a CCS can include the processor 101, the CRM 102,the user interface 103, the transceiver 104, and none of or one or moreof the DLC interface 105, and/or the capture device 107. Other examplearrangements of a CCS based on the elements shown in FIG. 2 are alsopossible. The CCS 100 can include the power source 121.

The user interface 103 can include general user interface elements forperforming various manual functions such as sending, via the transceiver104, requests for a download of information, viewing informationcorresponding to the requested download, entering data (e.g., toolmeasurements based on a measurement performed by a measurement tool) tobe stored in the CRM 102, manipulating data stored in the CRM 102, anddeleting data stored in the CRM 102, among other possibilities. Suchgeneral user interface elements can take the form of a keyboard, mouse,touchpad, microphone, etc.

The user interface 103 can also include a display for displaying visualcontent output by the processor 101 and sent by the processor 101 to theuser interface 103. The user interface 103 can display content in theform of a display user interface (DUI). A DUI can, for example, includea graphical user interface and/or text-based user interface. Displayinga DUI can include displaying one or more selector fields (e.g., textboxes, drop-down menus, etc.) at which a user can enter a selection,such as a selection of a visual prompt for requesting a download ofinformation from the SCS 4, upon which the CCS 100 can generate therequest and transmit the request via the transceiver 104. The userinterface 103 can also include an element for providing audio contentoutput by the processor 101 and sent by the processor 101 to the userinterface 103.

A DUI can provide a way to request a download of information from theSCS 4. As an example, displaying a DUI can include displaying anInternet browser or other means for requesting a download of informationfrom the SCS 4. Further, once the CCS 100 receives, via the transceiver104, the download requested from the SCS 4, a DUI can display some orall of the information included in the download and can enable a user ofthe CCS 100 to interact with the displayed information. As a moreparticular example, the DUI can display a wiring diagram associated withvehicle 8 so that a technician can (i) view elements of the wiringdiagram (e.g., vehicle components such as sensors, circuits, etc. thatare part of the wiring diagram), (ii) select an element of interest ofthe wiring diagram, (iii) view electrical measurements associated withthe selected element, (iv) view identifiers of available relatedinformation types for the selected element (e.g., component testinformation, pricing, and test procedure information), (v) select one ormore of the identifiers, and/or (vi) view the related information typesfor the selected identifier(s). As yet another example, if thetechnician selects content, such as an element of the wiring diagram,for which related information is not available (due to a lack oflicensing for the related information or due to the technician's lack ofauthorization to view the related information), the DUI can displayerror handling information.

The display can take various forms, such as a touchscreen, computermonitor, television screen, etc., and can utilize a variety ofunderlying display technologies, such as CRT, LED, LCD, etc.

The transceiver 104 can communicatively couple to a network, such as thecommunication network 6, a client-to-vehicle network, or a CST-to-clientnetwork. That coupling can be carried out, for example, by connectingthe transceiver 104 to a wired communication link of the communicationnetwork 6, the client-to-vehicle network, or the CST-to-client network,syncing the transceiver to a wireless network access point, placing aphone call, or in some other manner. The transmitter of the transceiver104 can transmit various data over the communication network 6, theclient-to-vehicle network, or the CST-to-client network such as arequest to the SCS 4 for a download of information from the SCS 4 or arequest to vehicle 8 for real-time electric measurements from vehicle 8.

The transceiver 104 can include one or more items that allow the CCS 100to receive various information, such as a download of informationassembled by the SCS 4, real-time electrical measurements carried out byor otherwise performed by vehicle 8, tool measurement data (i.e., toolmeasurements) carried out by a computerized measurement tool (CMT),and/or non-measurement data (e.g., captured vehicle identificationinformation) from a CST. The items of the transceiver 104 can includewires, cables, connectors, electrical circuitry, receivers,transmitters, and/or some other item. As an example, the transceiver 104can include Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors and cables forconnecting to a CMT having a USB connector. Such USB connectors andcables can be configured according the USB 3.0 standard or another USBstandard. As another example, the transceiver 104 can include a radioreceiver to receive downloads of information, real-time electricalmeasurements, tool measurements, and/or non-measurement data transmittedby radio signals from the SCS 4, vehicle 8, a CMT, or a CST. As yetanother example, the transceiver 104 can include a modem, a networkinterface card, and/or a chip mountable on a circuit board. The chip,for example, can comprise a CC3100 Wi-Fi® network processor availablefrom Texas Instruments, Dallas, Texas, a CC256MODx Bluetooth® HostController Interface (HCI) module available from Texas instruments,and/or a different chip for communicating via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® oranother communication protocol. The transceiver 104 can provide thereceived measurements and/or non-measurement data to another element ofthe CCS 100 by way of the connection mechanism 108.

The DLC interface 105 can include one or more DLC interface elementsthat allow the CCS 100 to communicate with a vehicle over aclient-to-vehicle network established between the CCS 100 and a DLC of avehicle. The DLC interface elements include a transceiver (e.g., anintegrated transmitter and receiver, or a distinct transmitter and adistinct receiver). The transmitter of the DLC interface 105 can beconfigured to transmit data to a vehicle. The data transmitted by theDLC interface 105 to the vehicle may include a request for a VDM. Thereceiver of the DLC interface 105 can be configured to receive datatransmitted by the vehicle 8 over the communication link 11. As anexample, the transceiver of the DLC interface 105 can comprise atransceiver such as a system basis chip with high speed CAN transceiver33989 provided by NXP Semiconductors, Eindhoven, Netherlands. The DLCinterface elements of the DLC interface 105 can include a DLC that isconfigured to connect to the DLC in a vehicle, a wire connector, one ormore wires that connect the DLC of the DLC interface 105 to theconnection mechanism 108 such that vehicle data messages from thevehicle can be received by the processor 101 and/or another element ofthe CCS 100. The vehicle data messages or some portion thereof can bestored within the VDMs 114.

The capture device 107 is operable to capture various types of data. Asan example, the capture device 107 can comprise a camera to capture animage. As another example, the capture device 107 can comprise anoptical scanner to capture data by scanning a multi-dimensional code,such as a two-dimensional bar code and/or a matrix code. The captureddata can include any of a variety of data that can be interpreted by theprocessor 101. The interpretation can include performing opticalcharacter recognition and/or comparing a captured media file to areference media file. As an example, the captured data can comprise datarepresenting the VIN of a vehicle. As another example, the captured datacan comprise an image of a VIN plate and/or label on a vehicle, an imageof a license plate attached to the vehicle, an image of a vehicle or aportion of a vehicle, an image of a vehicle component, and/or atwo-dimensional (2D) machine-readable code (e.g., a QR code). The datacaptured by the capture device 107 can be stored in the CRM as captureddata 115. Further, any or all of the data captured by the capture device107 can be included in a request for a download of information, asdiscussed above.

The CRM 102 can include CRPI 109, a client (CCS) identifier 110, vehicledata messages 114, captured data 115, and server data 118. The CRM 102can receive data stored as the VDMs 114, captured data 115, server data118, or stored as other data from at least one of the processor 101, theuser interface 103, and/or the transceiver 104. The CRPI 109 areexecutable by the processor 101 to perform functions described herein asbeing performed by the CCS 100.

The client ID 110 can include an identifier that a processor (e.g., aprocessor of the SCS 4) can use to distinguish the CCS 100 from at leastone other client (e.g., all other clients). As an example, the client ID110 can include a hardware serial number associated with the CCS 100. Asanother example, the client ID 110 can include a license number, such asa license number associated with an information product, such as theSHOPKEY® information system available from Snap-on Incorporated,Kenosha, Wisconsin. Additionally or alternatively, the client ID 110 caninclude an identifier that a processor can use to determine a model typeof the CCS 100. For example, the client ID 110 can include a modelidentifier such as “EEMS330W” which represents a model type of a clientreferred to as the VERUS® Edge diagnostic and information system sold bySnap-on Incorporated. The client ID 110 can include a software levelidentifier associated with software (e.g., the CRPI 109) contained inthe CRM 102 and a hardware level identifier associated with itemscontained within the CCS 100. In line with the discussion above, therequest for the download described herein can include the client ID 110such that the SCS 4 can determine which client to send the download.

Furthermore, the client ID 110 can be associated with or include a laborrate. The labor rate, or the client ID 110 for that matter, can bepre-stored in the CRM 102 or can be input manually by a user of the CCS100 via the user interface 103. The labor rate can enable the CCS 100 toreceive or determine a cost estimate for servicing a particular vehiclecomponent. For example, the SCS 4 can receive the client ID 110 andlabor rate from the CCS 100 with the request for the download, candetermine a cost estimate for servicing a particular vehicle componentbased on the labor rate, and can include the determined cost estimate inthe download sent to the CCS 100. Alternatively, the SCS 4 can determinean estimated amount of time for servicing the particular vehiclecomponent, and then include the estimated amount of time in the downloadsent to the CCS 100. Thereafter, the CCS 100 can determine the costestimate by multiplying the estimated amount of time by the labor rate.This can reduce the burden on the SCS 4 and can possibly eliminate theneed to include the labor rate in the request.

The server data 118 can include data the CCS 100 requests from the SCS 4and received at the transceiver 104 from the SCS 4. For example, thereceived data can be and/or include the download described herein —namely, the download requested by the CCS 100, prepared by the SCS 4,sent by the SCS 4 to the CCS 100, and received by the CCS 100.Additionally or alternatively, as another example, the received data caninclude a hyperlink to another download. Other examples are alsopossible.

In general, the CRPI 109 can include program instructions executable bythe processor 101 to cause the CCS 100 to perform any function describedherein as being performed by the CCS 100 (e.g., function sets 230 and390) and/or to cause any item of the CCS 100 to perform any functionherein as being performed by that item of the CCS 100. Some particularexamples of the CRPI 109 are provided in the following three paragraphs.

The CRPI 109 can include program instructions to cause the processor 101to receive and process user-input representing a request for a downloadof information associated with at least one vehicle component. Further,the CRPI 109 can include program instructions to cause the processor 101to, in response to receiving and processing the user-input representingthe request, generate the request for the download of informationassociated with at least one vehicle component, the request being in aform to be transmitted via transceiver 104. In addition, the CRPI 109can include program instructions to cause the transceiver 104 totransmit the request via the communication network 6 to the SCS 4, andthen cause the transceiver 104 (and thereafter perhaps the processor101) to receive the download, the download including, for instance (i)an image representative of a vehicle component (e.g., an image of awiring harness), (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii)a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplementalinformation associated with the vehicle component, where each selectableidentifier of the set can indicate a respective portion of thesupplemental information associated with the vehicle component.

The CRPI 109 can include program instructions to cause the userinterface 103 to display a DUI, such as any DUI described in thisdescription. In particular, the CRPI 109 can include programinstructions to cause the user interface 103 to, after the CCS 100receives a download (such as any download described in thisdescription), display the image and the first symbol, without displayingthe set of selectable identifiers and the supplemental information. TheCRPI 109 can include program instructions to cause the processor 101 to,while the user interface 103 is being caused to displaying the image andthe first symbol, receive and process user-input corresponding to userselection of the first symbol. Further, the CRPI 109 can include programinstructions to cause the user interface 103 to, in response to theprocessor 101 receiving and processing the user-input, display the setof selectable identifiers. Still further, the CRPI 109 can includeprogram instructions to cause the processor 101 to, while displaying theset of selectable identifiers, receive and process another user-inputcorresponding to user selection of one of the selectable identifiers.Yet still further, the CRPI 109 can include program instructions tocause the user interface 103 to, in response to the processor 101receiving and processing the other user-input, display the portion ofsupplemental information indicated by the selected identifier.

The CRPI 109 can include program instructions to cause the processor 101to receive and process other user-inputs as well.

III. Example Operation

Next, FIG. 3 shows a flowchart depicting a set of functions 230 (or moresimply “the set 230”) that can be carried out in accordance with theexample embodiments described in this description. The set 230 includesthe functions shown in blocks labeled with whole numbers 231 through 236inclusive. The following description of the set 230 includes referencesto elements shown in other figures described in this description, butthe functions of the set 230 are not limited to being carried out onlyby the referenced elements. A variety of methods can be performed usingall of the functions shown in the set 230 or any proper subset of thefunctions shown in the set 230. Any of those methods can be performedwith other functions such as one or more of the other functionsdescribed in this description. One or more of the functions shown in theset 230 can be carried out multiple times in performing a method inaccordance with the example embodiments. Further, the processor 101 ofthe CCS 100 can execute the CRPI 109 discussed above to cause some orall of the set 230 to be performed.

Block 231 includes receiving a download including (i) an imagerepresentative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated witha first symbol, (iii) a set of selectable identifiers, the set includingone or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier of theset can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component and, when selected, causes thedisplay to display the respective portion of the supplementalinformation. Some supplemental information within a download can beassociated with multiple selectable identifiers within the download.

One or more of the CCS's described herein (e.g., CCS 100 or CCS 2) canbe configured to receive the download. In particular, one or more of theelements of the CCS can be configured to receive the download, such asone or more processors connected to a display (e.g., the processor 101of CCS 100, connected to user interface 103).

In some scenarios, CCS 100 (or CCS 2) can generate and transmit to aserver (e.g., the

SCS 4) the request for the download in response to first receivinguser-input representing the request. To facilitate this in practice, theCCS 100 can provide an application or other mechanism through which auser (e.g., technician) can enter a request for information regarding aparticular vehicle component for a particular vehicle. Further, such arequest can include a variety of information representingcharacteristics of the particular vehicle and/or the particular vehiclecomponent. Accordingly, the server can then use such information toassemble the download for the CCS 100 and transmit the download to theCCS 100. Examples of such information includes: (i) an identifier of theCCS 100 (e.g., client ID 110) (so that the server can determine where tosend the download), (ii) an identifier of a particular vehicle (e.g., aVIN, a YMM, a YMME, etc.) (iii) an identifier of a particular vehiclecomponent for which the download is being requested, (iv) the captureddata 115 captured by the capture device 107 as discussed above (e.g., animage of a particular vehicle component for which the download is beingrequested, a bar code or QR code indicating the vehicle's VIN), and/or(v) one or more symptoms that a particular vehicle and/or a particularvehicle component is experiencing, among other possible information.

The CCS 100 can receive the information discussed in the precedingparagraph in various ways. For example, the CCS 100 can cause the userinterface 103 to display a drop down menu to select the YMM or YMME ofthe vehicle. In particular, the drop down menu can enable a user tofirst select a year from a list of years, then select a manufacturerfrom a list of manufacturers for the selected year, and then select amodel from a list of models for the selected manufacturer and year. Themenu can further enable the user to then select an engine type for theselected YMM. As another example, the CCS 100 can obtain at least aportion of the information, such as the YMME, from the vehicle itselfvia the client-to-vehicle network.

After CCS 100 receives the information discussed in the precedingparagraph, the processor 101 can interpret the information to determinewhich characteristic(s) of the particular vehicle and/or the particularvehicle component to include in the request for the download. Theprocessor 101 can then generate the request for the download andtransmit the request via transceiver 104 to the server. Upon receipt ofthe request, the server can read the request to determine thecharacteristic(s) and assemble the download to include the image, symboldata, set of selectable identifiers, and supplemental information forthe vehicle component indicated by the characteristic(s). The server canassemble the download by retrieving some or all of the download frommemory at the server and/or transmitting to one or more databaseslocated remotely from the server a request for some or all of thedownload and then receiving some or all of the download from the one ormore databases. Upon assembling the download, the server can transmitthe download for receipt by the CCS 100.

It can be assumed in some scenarios that the CCS 100 receives thedownload after and/or responsive to a technician first selected aparticular vehicle YMM or YMME, although it should be understood that inother scenarios a technician can select a particular vehicle YMME atsome point after the CCS 100 receives the download.

The vehicle component can be any of a variety of vehicle componentson/in a vehicle. As an example, the vehicle component can include abrake rotor, a brake drum, a crankshaft, a camshaft, an ECU, a fuelpump, a solenoid, or a sensor. As another example, the vehicle componentcan comprise any of a variety of vehicle subsystems, such as a vehiclesteering system, a vehicle fuel system, a vehicle emissions system, or avehicle braking system. As another example, the vehicle component can bea wiring harness or an aspect of a wiring harness, such as a connectorterminal, a circuit, a wire, etc. A “circuit”, as described herein, canrefer to any wire or wires that are connected between two or more nodesand that serve as a means for carrying an electrical or optical signal.Further, a “wire” can refer herein to any type of wire, such as copper,aluminum, fiber-optic, etc., that can carry an electrical or opticalsignal.

Other examples of the vehicle component are also possible. The vehiclecomponent can be a single vehicle component that does not contain anyfurther vehicle components, such as a manifold air pressure (MAP) sensoror an ambient air temperature sensor. However, in some scenarios, thevehicle component can be a vehicle component that includes multipleother vehicle components, such as a wiring harness consisting ofmultiple aspects of a wiring harness (e.g., individual circuits,connector terminals, and/or sensors). In such scenarios, the CCS 100receiving the download can include receiving a download that includesimages, symbol data, sets of selectable identifiers, and supplementalinformation corresponding to the vehicle component as well as othervehicle components that are part of the vehicle component.

The downloaded image can have various formats. For instance, the imagecan be a scalable vector graphics (SVG) image or a JPEG image. Otherexamples are possible as well.

Receipt of user-input can be one way of triggering the processor 101 togenerate and transmit a request for the download, although other waysare possible as well. In one example, for instance, the processor 101can generate and transmit the request automatically without directuser-input, such as in response to a particular triggering event. Inanother example, the processor 101 can receive a VDM that indicates aproblem with a particular vehicle component (e.g., a DTC within a VDM,where the DTC indicated that the particular vehicle component isfailing).

The image included in the download can include the image of the vehiclecomponent or provide data representing the image of the vehiclecomponent for causing the user interface 103 to display the image. Theprocessor 101 can process such data and in turn responsively cause userinterface 103 to provide the image as part of a DUI. The image can be atwo-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) image of the vehiclecomponent, or another type of image.

The first symbol (and any other “symbols” described herein) can take theform of a “hotspot” of the displayed image of the vehicle component.Herein, a “hotspot” can generally refer to a portion of the displayedimage (or a portion of the DUI in general) that a user of the CCS 100can interact with via the user interface 103. For example, when theprocessor 101 detects that a user is hovering over a hotspot with amouse cursor or other aspect of the user interface 103, or the cursor isproximate to the hotspot in a region within a predetermined thresholddistance from the hotspot, the processor 101 can responsively cause anevent to occur, such as enabling the hotspot to be selected by the userand/or displaying a pop-up menu or other type of window (e.g., a menu orwindow including the set of identifiers or other information associatedwith the vehicle component). As another example, the processor 101 candetect a click, double-click, touch tap, or double-touch tap of thehotspot itself (or somewhere in the region) and can responsively causean event to occur. These interactions with a hotspot (e.g., hoveringover, proximate to, clicking, tapping, etc.) can be referred to as aselection of the hotspot (or a type of “hotspot-selection”), so as totrigger the processor 101 to cause an event to occur. Other DUI elementsdiscussed herein can take the form of a hotspot as well.

Example events that can occur as a result of selecting a hotspot canvary. Further, hotspot selection can take various forms. As an example,when the processor 101 detects that a user is hovering over a hotspot,but has not clicked the hotspot, the processor 101 can responsivelycause a pop-up window of information related to the hotspot to appear aslong as the user's cursor remains hovering over the hotpot. Once theprocessor 101 detects that the user's cursor is no longer hovering overthe hotspot, the processor 101 can responsively cause the pop-up windowof information related to the hotspot to disappear. By contrast, whenthe processor 101 detects that the user has clicked the hotspot, theprocessor 101 can responsively cause the pop-up window of information toappear to a more permanent degree such that even when the user movestheir cursor away from the hotspot (or the window itself), the pop-upwindow of information will remain displayed.

The symbol data can include the first symbol or provide datarepresenting the first symbol for causing the processor 101 to establishthe first symbol (e.g., determine where the user interface 103 shoulddisplay the first symbol and/or cause the user interface 103 to displaythe first symbol). For instance, the symbol data can include a defaultset of coordinate points with respect to a default size of the image,the set of coordinate points including at least one coordinate pointthat corresponds to a coordinate point of a grid defined for the display(e.g., a predetermined grid of pixels). The set of coordinate points caninclude, for example, a set of pixel column(s) and row(s) at which todisplay the symbol. In some embodiments, the set of coordinate pointscan additionally include a set of pixel coordinate points identifyingthe region within the predetermined threshold distance from the firstsymbol, so that the processor 101 can recognize when a mouse cursor orother selection means enters the region and responsively trigger anevent to occur. In any case, the processor 101 can use the default setof coordinate points, the grid defined for the display, and perhapsadditionally a zoom level of the image with respect to the default sizeof the image, to establish the first symbol. The processor 101 canestablish other symbols as well using the same type of data associatedwith each other symbol.

In addition to appearing in a pre-specified area of the image as notedabove, a hotspot can serve as a link (e.g., a URL) to a particularsearch query associated with the hotspot such that, when the hotspot isclicked or otherwise selected, the processor 101 can responsively takeaction to initiate the particular search query. For instance, if thehotspot is placed in the area of the image associated with a MAP sensor,a selection of the hotspot can trigger the processor 101 to initiate aquery for information associated with the MAP sensor that may or may notbe included in the download described above.

In practice, after the image and symbol(s) are initially displayed, azoom level of the image can affect where within the display thesymbol(s) appear. For instance, when a user zooms in or out with respectto a displayed image and symbol, the number of pixels surrounding thesymbol can change. And in another instance, when multiple symbols aredisplayed, zooming in or out can cause one or more of such symbols todisappear from view in the DUI, and/or can cause one symbol to appear inthe same area of the display where another symbol once appeared. Assuch, the processor 101 can keep track of the zoom level and dynamicallyadjust the location(s) within the display where the symbol(s) shouldappear and cause the user interface 103 to display the symbol(s) inthose dynamically-adjusted locations.

As noted above, the vehicle component itself can be a wiring harness,and thus the image in the download can depict the wiring harness. In anexample scenario, however, the vehicle component can be connectable toor include a wiring harness, such as a MAP sensor connectable to thewiring harness or a single circuit of the wiring harness, and thus theimage in the download can depict the wiring harness as connected to orpart of the vehicle component. In line with this example scenario, thefirst symbol can be a symbol for a first circuit within the wiringharness, for instance. When a wiring harness includes other circuits,sensors, etc., the download could include other symbols (andcorresponding symbol data) for such other circuits, sensors, etc.,within the wiring harness.

The supplemental information can include various types of informationassociated with the vehicle component, examples of which include (i) acomponent test information, (ii) a real-fix information, (iii) a removaland replacement information, (iv) a connector view information, (v) acomponent location information, (vi) a technical service bulletin (TSB)information, (vii) a top diagnostic trouble code information, (viii) atop symptom information, (ix) a parameter identifier (PID) valueinformation, (x) a baseline data information, (xi) a vehicle componentcalibration information, and (xii) a vehicle component resetinformation.

The component test information can include, for instance, informationindicating how to test the vehicle component to determine whether thevehicle component has failed, such as a diagnostic flowchart andtroubleshooting hints to determine whether the vehicle component isoperating properly or failed.

The real-fix information can include, for instance, information the SCS4 determines or has access to based on prior successful fixes to similarvehicles having the same displayed vehicle component. This informationcan be determined from repair orders describing the prior successfulfixes. Further, the real-fix information can be indicative of a count ofhow many prior fixes were successful using the applied fix.

The removal and replacement information can include, for instance,information explaining how to remove the vehicle component from thevehicle and how to replace and/or reinstall the vehicle component intothe vehicle. This information can identify special hand tools requiredfor the removal and replacement procedure, torque specifications,vehicle component location information, and the like.

The connector view information can include, for instance, informationindicating where a connector is located in a vehicle, circuit identifier(e.g. circuit number and/or name), pinout (description showing eachpin/terminal in the connector and what circuit is connected to eachpin).

The component location information can include, for instance, adescription textual and/or graphical showing location of the vehiclecomponent, perhaps in relation to one or more other vehicle components.

The TSB information can include, for instance, information obtained fromTSB (e.g., a vehicle manufacturer TSB), such as information thatindicates known faults, recall information, test procedures, removal andreplacement procedures, etc.

The top diagnostic trouble code information can include, for instance,information that lists the DTC associated with the vehicle components.When multiple DTC associated with the vehicle component, the DTC can beranked from most-likely to least likely to be set. Other rankings arepossible as well.

The top symptom information can include, for instance, information thatlist the most-likely symptoms related to the vehicle component. Thisinformation can be theoretical and/or based on prior repair orderinformation listing symptoms or live data.

The PID value information can include, for instance, informationindicating specified values of parameters associated with a vehiclecomponent (e.g., sensor values).

The baseline data information can include, for instance, electricalmeasurements of the vehicle component including a baseline value, suchas the baseline voltage waveform discussed below.

Other types of supplemental information are possible as well. Forinstance, the supplemental information can include specificationinformation — namely, specifications for the vehicle or the vehiclecomponent. As an example, given a vehicle component that includes boltholes or bolts for a thermostat housing or a cylinder head (which wouldbe shown in the displayed image), the specification information mayindicate a torque specification for tightening a bolt at the bolt hole.As another example, the vehicle component can include (and the displayedimage can show) a fluid fill location, and the specification informationcan list a fluid type and capacity information for the fluid associatedwith the vehicle component. As yet another example, the supplementalinformation can include functional test information. The functional testinformation can include information related to testing that controls thevehicle component by serial data sent to the ECU of the vehicle. As yetanother example, the supplemental information can include a PID listrelated to the vehicle component.

As still yet another example, the supplemental information can include avehicle component calibration information to be performed on a vehicleif a procedure is performed to a particular vehicle component. Forinstance, the vehicle component calibration information can includecalibration information for calibrating a lane departure systemcomponent if a wheel alignment (e.g., front and/or rear wheel alignment)procedure is performed, or the vehicle component calibration informationcan include calibration information for calibrating a parking assistcomponent in a vehicle if a procedure is performed to a bumper on thevehicle. As still yet another example, the supplemental information caninclude a vehicle component reset information to be performed on avehicle if a procedure is performed to a particular vehicle component.For instance, the vehicle component reset information can include resetinformation regarding resetting an electronic parking brake on a vehicleif a battery in the vehicle is disconnected from a battery cable in thevehicle.

As noted in block 231, each selectable identifier can identify one ofthe types of supplemental information listed in the preceding paragraph.For example, the set of selectable identifiers can include icons and/ortext that read “Component Test” and “R&R Procedure”, corresponding tothe component test information and to the removal and replacementinformation, respectively. Further, the processor 101 can cause the userinterface 103 to provide a DUI including the set of selectableidentifiers. Upon receipt of a user-input representing a selection ofone of the selectable identifiers, the processor 101 can responsivelycause the user interface 103 to provide a DUI (e.g., as a new DUI or aspart of the current DUI) including the supplemental informationcorresponding to the selected identifier. As an example, upon receipt ofa user-input representing a selection of “Component Test”, the userinterface 103 can responsively display the component test informationfrom the download. As another example, upon receipt of a user-inputrepresenting a selection of “R&R Procedure”, the user interface 103 canresponsively display the removal and replacement information from thedownload. In some embodiments, the user interface 103 can display eachselectable identifier as a respective hotspot.

Next, block 232 includes displaying, on the display after receiving thedownload, the image and the first symbol without displaying the set ofselectable identifiers. Displaying the image and the first symbol caninclude the user interface 103 displaying an image that shows a portionof the vehicle component or all of the vehicle component. For example,the displayed image can depict (or show) an entire wiring harness,including all connected sensors and/or circuits, or can instead includea portion of the wiring harness, including only some connected sensorsand/or circuits (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ). Further, displaying theimage and the first symbol can include the user interface 103 firstdisplaying the image and then displaying the first symbol at some pointafter the image is displayed. Alternatively, displaying the image andthe first symbol can include the user interface 103 displaying the imageand the first symbol at substantially the same time. In either case, theuser interface 103 can, for example, display the image and then displaythe first symbol superimposed over the image, or can display the firstsymbol such that it is incorporated as part of the image. If thedownload includes other symbols associated with the vehicle component,the user interface 103 can display those symbols as well withoutdisplaying the set of selectable identifiers.

The user interface 103 can display the image and the first symbol (andperhaps other symbols) such that a user can view the image and symbol(s)in various ways. For example, the image can take the form of a 2D or 3Dimage and the user interface 103 can enable a user to pan, zoom (in orout), and/or rotate the image to observe different portions of theimage.

Next, block 233 includes receiving, while the image and the first symbolare displayed on the display without the set of selectable identifiers,a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. Receivingthe first input can include the processor 101 receiving, via userinterface 103, a first user-input representing a selection of the firstsymbol. Such a selection of the first symbol can take the form of one ofthe hotspot-selection types discussed above (e.g., hovering over thefirst symbol, bringing a mouse cursor within a predetermined thresholddistance from the first symbol, or clicking/double-clicking the firstsymbol).

Next, block 234 includes displaying, on the display in response toreceiving the first input, the set of selectable identifiers. Displayingthe set of selectable identifiers can include displaying one selectableidentifier, or can include displaying more than one selectableidentifier, depending on how many selectable identifiers are included inthe download.

In some embodiments, displaying the set of selectable identifiers caninclude the user interface 103 displaying the set of selectableidentifiers such that they overlay the image, the first symbol, and/oranother area of the DUI. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the set ofselectable identifiers can be displayed as a pop-up list proximate tothe first symbol and overlaying a portion of the image. The set ofselectable identifiers can be displayed in other forms as well. Forexample, the user interface 103 can display the set of selectableidentifiers as part of a drop-down menu appearing in menu bar of anInternet browser.

Next, block 235 includes receiving, while the set of selectableidentifiers is displayed, a second input corresponding to selection of afirst selectable identifier from the displayed set of selectableidentifiers. Receiving the second input can include the processor 101receiving, via user interface 103, a second user-input representing aselection of the first selectable identifier (e.g., clicking, tapping,hovering over, etc. the first selectable identifier).

Next, block 236 includes displaying, on the display in response toreceiving the second input, the respective portion of the supplementalinformation indicated by the first selectable identifier. For example,in line with the discussion above, if the first selectable identifier isthe “Component Test” identifier, and processor 101 receives the secondinput corresponding to a selection of the “Component Test”, displayingthe respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by thefirst selectable identifier can include the user interface 103, inresponse to the processor 101 receiving the second input, displaying thecomponent test information that was included in the download. As anotherexample, if the first selectable identifier is the “Related TSB's”identifier, and processor 101 receives the second input corresponding toa selection of the “Related TSB's”, displaying the respective portion ofthe supplemental information indicated by the first selectableidentifier can include the user interface 103, in response to theprocessor 101 receiving the second input, displaying the technicalservice bulletin (TSB) information that was included in the download.

Additional functions are described below. Some or all of these functionscan be carried out before, during, or after the set 230 described above.

After displaying the respective portion of the supplemental informationindicated by the first selectable identifier, the processor 101 canreceive, while the set of selectable identifiers is displayed, a thirdinput corresponding to selection of a second selectable identifier fromthe displayed set of selectable identifiers, and can responsively causethe user interface 103 to display the respective portion of thesupplemental information indicated by the second selectable identifier.The user interface 103 displaying the respective portion of thesupplemental information indicated by the second selectable identifiercan include displaying the respective portion of the supplementalinformation indicated by the second selectable identifier with orinstead of the respective portion of the supplemental informationindicated by the first selectable identifier. As an example, if“Component Test” was selected and the component test information isbeing displayed, and then the technician selects “Related TSB's”, theprocessor 101 can cause the user interface 103 to no longer display thecomponent test information and then instead display the technicalservice bulletin (TSB) information in the same location in the DUI wherethe component test information was displayed or in a different locationin the DUI. As another example, in a similar situation, processor 101can alternatively cause the user interface 103 to display both thecomponent test information and the technical service bulletin (TSB)information at the same time so that the technician can view bothsimultaneously. Similar functions can be performed in the event thatfourth, fifth, etc. inputs are received corresponding to selection ofthird, fourth, etc. selectable identifiers.

In some scenarios, the download can also include service estimateinformation associated with the vehicle component. The service estimateinformation can include various information that can enable a technicianor other user to determine how much time, money, and/or labor may beneeded for servicing the vehicle component associated with the selectedidentifier. As such, the service estimate information can include costinformation indicating a price of the vehicle component and/or laborinformation pertaining to servicing of the vehicle component.

The service estimate information can take the form of service estimateinformation for only one vehicle component or only one aspect of thevehicle component. For example, when the vehicle component is a fuelpump, the service estimate information can include a price and laborhours for the fuel pump. Additionally or alternatively, the serviceestimate information can take the form of a collection of serviceestimate information for each aspect of the vehicle component. Forexample, when the vehicle component is a wiring harness, the serviceestimate information can include a price and labor hours for each of oneor more aspects of the wiring harness, such as a sensor, individualcircuit, etc. As a more particular example, as shown in FIG. 4 , a MAPsensor can have a price of $47.95 and labor for servicing the MAP sensorcan take approximately 3.2 hours.

Accordingly, the functions discussed above can further include the userinterface 103 displaying, on the display, while displaying the set ofselectable identifiers, the service estimate information for the vehiclecomponent displayed on the DUI and at least one selection graphicassociated with the service estimate information. Displaying theselection graphic(s) can include the user interface 103 displaying atleast one check box, radio button, etc. within the DUI. At some pointafter the user interface 103 displays the service estimate informationand the selection graphic(s), the processor 101 can receive an inputcorresponding to selection of the selection graphic(s). For example,such an input can take the form of a user checking a check box displayedproximate to the service estimate information.

In some scenarios, a technician can use the functions described hereinas part of a “session” (i.e., a period of time) during which thetechnician views and interacts with the interactive vehicle diagnosticdisplay. As part of this session, the CCS 100 (e.g., the processor 101),the SCS 4, or another device can maintain, in local or remote memory,various records of the technician's interactions with various vehiclecomponents. For example, the records can include a history of thevehicle components for which the technician requested downloads, ahistory of the supplemental information the technician viewed, etc.

As another example, the records can include an ongoing service estimatefor the technician, including running totals for service estimateinformation for one or more vehicle components. As such, when atechnician wishes to add the price and/or labor time for a particularvehicle component to the service estimate, the technician can input viathe user interface 103 a selection of the selection graphic(s)corresponding to price and/or labor, upon which the processor 101 canthen responsively output a request to generate a new service estimate orupdate an existing service estimate based on the service estimateinformation. Outputting the request to generate or update the serviceestimate can include the processor 101 causing the transceiver 104 totransmit the request to the SCS 4 or other device that is maintainingthe service estimate, after which the SCS 4 or other device can receivethe request and responsively generate a new service estimate or updatethe existing service estimate. Alternatively, when the service estimatecan be maintained locally at the CCS 100, outputting the request togenerate or update the service estimate can include the processor 101causing a new service estimate to be generated and stored in memory orcausing the existing service estimate to be updated in memory.

An interactive vehicle diagnostic display can include at least oneelectrical measurement associated with the vehicle component displayedon the DUI. For example, when the vehicle component is or includes awiring harness which in turn includes various circuits and/or sensors,the download can include respective electrical measurementscorresponding to each circuit and/or sensor obtained over a period oftime. The electrical measurement(s) can be real-time electricalmeasurement(s) or non-real-time electrical measurement(s) obtained bythe CCS 100, by a CMT, and/or by other means, from the vehicle havingthe vehicle component (e.g., from the vehicle having thetechnician-selected YMME). For instance, the electrical measurement(s)can be electrical measurement(s) that the SCS 4 received from thevehicle having the technician-selected YMME, such as electricalmeasurements that the vehicle reported directly to the SCS 4 or toanother device that in turn transmitted to the SCS 4.

The electrical measurement(s) can take various forms. For instance, fora given vehicle component or a given aspect of a given vehiclecomponent, the electrical measurement(s) can take the form of at leastone voltage waveform representing multiple electrical measurementsobtained over a period of time for the given vehicle component or thegiven aspect, such as a 2D voltage waveform plot of an oscilloscopereading. A voltage waveform can include, for instance, a baselinevoltage waveform representing multiple electrical measurements, or avoltage waveform representing multiple electrical measurements obtainedfrom the vehicle. Further, the electrical measurement(s) can include aminimum expected value of the electrical measurement(s) and/or a maximumexpected value of the electrical measurement(s). The CCS 100 can displaythe electrical measurement(s) in any one or more of the forms discussedherein, including those discussed in this paragraph.

In an example scenario where the vehicle component is a wiring harness,a technician can select, via the user interface 103, the first symbol,where the first symbol can correspond to a first circuit of a wiringharness depicted as the displayed image. In response to receiving theselection, the user interface 103 can display within a DUI—in the samepop-up menu as the list of selectable identifiers or in a separatewindow—multiple electrical measurements obtained from the vehicle forthe first circuit over a period of time. For example, the user interface103 can display the multiple electrical measurements as a voltagewaveform, as discussed above. As another example, the user interface 103can display in a single graph a minimum expected value and a maximumexpected value for the multiple electrical measurements, such as aminimum expected voltage and a maximum expected voltage. As yet anotherexample, the user interface 103 can display the multiple electricalmeasurements in multiple separate graphs.

The download can include the electrical measurement(s), as part of thesupplemental information or as additional information. Alternatively,the CCS 100 can obtain the electrical measurement(s) by way of aseparate process occurring simultaneous to receiving the download orafter receiving the download (e.g., after the user selects the firstsymbol associated with the vehicle component). As an example of how theCCS 100 might obtain desired electrical measurement(s) for the vehiclecomponent, the CCS 100 (e.g., a vehicle interface device of the CCS 100,such as the DLC interface 105) can transmit to the vehicle over theclient-to-vehicle network a request for a live data value associatedwith a PID used by the vehicle component, such as a PID associated withan electrical signal carrier on a circuit of a wiring harness. Thevehicle interface device of the CCS 100 can then at some point receive,from the vehicle (e.g., from an electronic control unit within thevehicle), via the transceiver 104, the requested data value associatedwith the PID. The processor 101 can then convert the data value toobtain the desired electrical measurement(s).

In practice, if a user is not licensed or otherwise authorized to viewany of the information associated with the vehicle component, the DUImay not include the restricted information. The restricted informationcan be included as part of the download in some scenarios, but notdisplayed. In other scenarios, the SCS 4 can determine that the user ofthe CCS (or the CCS itself, based on an identifier of the CCS includedin the request) is not authorized to view certain information that isbeing requested, and in response to determining this, may not includethe restricted information when assembling the download. Other examplesof managing restricted information are possible as well.

IV. Example Display User Interface (DUI)

FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 , and FIG. 6 show an example CCS-provided DUI 300 atthree different points in time during a session for an interactivevehicle diagnostic display. In particular, the DUI 300 shows that theinteractive vehicle diagnostic display is in the form of a web page inan Internet browser. The CCS that provides the DUI 300 can be any clientconfigured like the CCS 2 or the CCS 100, and can provide the DUI 300 byway of a user interface configured like the user interface 103 of CCS100. The DUI 300 includes an image representing a portion of a wiringharness for a vehicle having a particular YMME. Although the DUI 300does not show the YMME associated with the vehicle component, in somescenarios the YMME can be displayed as part of the DUI 300. Otherexamples of ways in which a DUI can represent an interactive vehiclediagnostic display are also possible. Other examples of vehiclecomponents that can be displayed are also possible.

FIG. 4 shows the DUI 300 including an image of a wiring harness 302. TheDUI 300 can be displayed after various other events have occurred. Forexample, after selections of a vehicle YMME and after a download hasbeen received for the wiring harness 302, such as a download taking theform described above. Displayed as part of the image 302 are thefollowing: a first circuit 304, a second circuit 305, a third circuit306, two connectors 307, 308 holding the three circuits together, a MAPsensor 310 connected to the wiring harness, a text label 312 for the MAPsensor 310, and a symbol 314 (“hotspot”) representative of the MAPsensor 310.

Also shown are portions of the three circuits that may not be initiallydisplayed as part of the image 302. These portions are shown as dashedlines and represented by reference numbers 316, 317, and 318,corresponding to the first circuit 304, the second circuit 305, and thethird circuit 306, respectively. In practice, the download that the CCSreceives can include image data representative of a full image of thewiring harness, but the CCS may not display the entire image at once.Rather, the CCS can display only a portion of the image, but the DUI 300can enable a user to navigate to other portions of the image. Forexample, in order to view portions 316, 317, and 318, the CCS canprovide as part of the DUI 300 one or more user-selectable navigationtools, such as navigation arrows that, when selected, cause a differentportion of the image to be displayed. Other examples are possible aswell.

In line with the discussion above, the symbol 314 is shown as taking upmore pixels in the DUI 300 than the image of the MAP sensor 310 itself.As such, the user can be able to select the symbol 314 in various ways,such as by clicking/touching within the circular dashed region shown, oreven by merely moving a mouse cursor (not shown) within the region.Other ways of selecting the symbol 314 are also possible.

FIG. 5 shows the DUI 300 at a different point in time during a session.In particular, FIG. 5 shows the DUI 300 after selection of the symbol314 for the MAP sensor 310. After selection of the symbol 314, the userinterface 103 displays a window 320 within the DUI 300, overlaying aportion of the image 302 and located to the right of the symbol 314. Thewindow 320 is shown to include a list identifying available informationrelated to the selected vehicle component of interest: the MAP sensor310.

The window 320 includes a list of selectable identifiers that identifyvarious types of supplemental information related to the MAP sensor 310,where the supplemental information was downloaded with the download butis not yet displayed within DUI 300. In particular, the window 320includes the following selectable identifiers, each of which isillustrated as a selectable link and each of which identifiessupplemental information related to the MAP sensor 310: Component Test321, Real Fixes 322, R&R Procedure 324, Connector View 325, ComponentLocation 326, Related TSBs 327, Top Codes 328, and Top Symptoms 329.These eight selectable identifiers correspond to the followingsupplemental information from the download, respectively: (i) componenttest information, (ii) real-fix information, (iii) removal andreplacement information, (iv) connector view information, (v) componentlocation information, (vi) TSB information, (vii) top diagnostic troublecode information, and (viii) top symptom information. After the window320 is displayed, the CCS can receive a selection of one of theselectable identifiers, and the CCS can then responsively cause the DUI300 to include the portion of supplemental information that correspondsto the selected identifier. Selection of a given selectable identifiercan cause the corresponding portion of supplemental information to bedisplayed in the current webpage, or can cause the CCS to generate a newwebpage that includes the corresponding portion of supplementalinformation (e.g., a new tab in the Internet browser or a new window inthe Internet browser).

Between the Related TSBs identifier 327 and the Top Codes identifier328, the window 320 is shown to include a section for service estimateinformation associated with the MAP sensor 310. In particular, thewindow 320 includes an identifier for the price 330 of service for theMAP sensor 310 (shown as $47.95), and also includes an identifier forthe amount of labor 331 for servicing the MAP sensor 310 (shown as 3.2hours). The price and labor for a given vehicle component can berepresented in other ways as well. Further, the window 320 includes adisplayed price check box 332 and a displayed labor check box 333 thatenable a user to add one, both, or none of price 330 and labor 331 to aservice estimate (not shown). Accordingly, a user can select one, both,or none of the check boxes 332, 333. A user can also “uncheck” a givencheck box to remove price and/or labor from the service estimate. Theprice check box 332 is shown as selected, and thus the CCS has added theprice of service ($47.95) to the service estimate (not shown). Althoughthe labor check box 333 is not shown as selected, a user can laterselect it as well. Other ways to add/remove service estimate informationto/from a service estimate are also possible. Although not shown, afterreceiving selection (or de-selection) of a given check box, the CCS canprovide within the DUI 300 an indication of the service estimate.

Lastly, the window 320 is shown to include a voltage waveform 334 forthe MAP sensor 310. The CCS can obtain the electrical measurement dataused to present the voltage waveform 334 at various points in time. Forexample, after selection of the symbol 314, the CCS can transmit arequest for a data value associated with a PID used by the MAP sensor310, receive the data value, convert the data value to obtain thevoltage waveform 334, and then include the voltage waveform 334 in thedisplayed window 320. The voltage waveform 334 can appear in the window320 before, at the same time as, or after all the other information isdisplayed. For instance, the selectable identifiers and the serviceestimate information can be displayed first while the voltage waveform334 is retrieved/loading, and then the voltage waveform 334 can bedisplayed once it is retrieved/loaded. Further, in some scenarios, theDUI can also include a selectable identifier (not shown) that identifiesPID value information for the PID of the MAP sensor 310.

In practice, if a user is not licensed or otherwise authorized to viewany of the information associated with the MAP sensor 310, the DUI 300may not include such information.

FIG. 6 shows the DUI 300 at another different point in time during asession. In particular, FIG. 6 shows the DUI 300 after selection of theComponent Test identifier 321. After selection of the Component Testidentifier 321, the user interface 103 displays a second window 350within the DUI 300, overlaying a portion of the image 302, overlaying aportion of window 320, and located to the right of window 320. Thesecond window 350 is shown to include a portion of the downloadedsupplemental information associated with the Component Test identifier321 for the MAP sensor—namely, a diagnostic flowchart to help a userdetermine whether the MAP component is operating properly. The secondwindow 350 is also shown to include a selectable DUI element 351(depicted as a “Return” button) that, when selected, can close thesecond window 350 and return the user to the DUI shown in FIG. 5 . Anywindow discussed herein (including windows for displaying other portionsof supplemental information) can include such a selectable element forenabling a user to navigate to a previous window, previous webpage, etc.

In other examples, the second window 350 can be larger in size and canthus take up more or less space of the DUI 300 than as shown in FIG. 6 .For example, after selection of the Component Test identifier 321, thesecond window 350 can take up the entire DUI 300, overlaying theentirety of the image 302. Again, as noted above, selection of a givenselectable identifier can cause the corresponding portion ofsupplemental information to be displayed in the current webpage (e.g.,second window 350), or can cause the CCS to generate a new webpage thatincludes the corresponding portion of supplemental information.

V. Additional Example Operations

Additional example operations relating to vehicle diagnostic displayswill now be described. In particular, such additional operations canrelate to viewing both real-time and non-real-time electricalmeasurements associated with various vehicle circuits.

Next, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart depicting a set of functions 390 (or moresimply “the set 390”) that can be carried out in accordance with theexample embodiments described in this description. The set 390 includesthe functions shown in blocks labeled with whole numbers 391 through 396inclusive. The following description of the set 390 includes referencesto elements shown in other figures described in this description, butthe functions of the set 390 are not limited to being carried out onlyby the referenced elements. A variety of methods can be performed usingall of the functions shown in the set 390 or any proper subset of thefunctions shown in the set 390. Any of those methods can be performedwith other functions such as one or more of the other functionsdescribed in this description. One or more of the functions shown in theset 390 can be carried out multiple times in performing a method inaccordance with the example embodiments. Further, the processor 101 ofthe CCS 100 can execute the CRPI 109 discussed above to cause some orall of the set 390 to be performed.

In some implementations, one or more of the CCS's described herein(e.g., CCS 100 or CCS 2) can be configured to receive a download ofinformation, which can include some, all, or none of the informationdiscussed above. In particular, one or more of the elements of the CCScan be configured to receive the download, such as one or moreprocessors connected to a display (e.g., the processor 101 of CCS 100,connected to user interface 103). The download can be received in amanner similar to or different from the manner discussed above. Forinstance, the CCS 100 can receive user-input representing a request forthe download, the request including various information regarding aparticular vehicle or vehicle component (e.g., client ID 110, a VIN, aYMM, a YMME, etc.), and the server can then accordingly use suchinformation to assemble the download for the CCS 100 and transmit thedownload to the CCS 100. The server can assemble and transmit thedownload in any of the manners discussed above.

Block 391 includes receiving a download including (i) an imagerepresentative of at least one circuit in a vehicle, the at least onecircuit including a first circuit configured for carrying a first signalwithin the vehicle, and (ii) symbol data associated with at least onesymbol, the at least one symbol including a first symbol. The firstsignal can be electrical or optical. Any given circuit represented bythe image, including the first circuit, can take various forms, such asa crankshaft position (CKP) sensor ignition feed circuit, a CKP sensorsignal input circuit, a CKP sensor reference low circuit, a CKP sensorground circuit, a MAP sensor air flow circuit, a MAP sensor voltagesource circuit, an ambient air temperature sensor circuit, among otherpossibilities.

Further, the processor 101 can be configured to receive datarepresenting values of various circuit signals, such as the first signalcarried by the first circuit.

The download can be received in a manner similar to or different fromthe manner discussed above. For instance, the CCS 100 can receive, viathe user interface 103, user-input representing a request for thedownload, the request including various information regarding aparticular vehicle or vehicle component (e.g., client ID 110, a VIN, aYMM, a YMME, etc.), and the server can then accordingly use suchinformation to assemble the download for the CCS 100 and transmit thedownload to the CCS 100. The server can assemble and transmit thedownload in any of the manners discussed above.

In some implementations, the download can also include data indicativeof a message to request a VDM including data representing values of asignal carried by a circuit. The data indicative of the message torequest a VDM can include, for instance, a PID and an ECU identifier,which can be used as part of a process for requesting and receiving,from the vehicle, data representing values of various signals carried byvarious circuits, as described below.

Next, block 392 includes displaying, on a display after receiving thedownload, the image and the at least one symbol. The user interface 103can display the image and the at least one symbol in various ways, suchas in any one of the manners discussed above. The displayed image caninclude, for instance, three circuits (e.g., the entirety of threecircuits, or three portions of respective larger circuits), each circuitrepresented by a displayed symbol.

Next, block 393 includes receiving, while the image and the at least onesymbol are displayed on the display, a first input corresponding toselection of the first symbol. In general, the processor 101 can receivean input corresponding to selection of any one of the displayedsymbol(s), which can be considered a selection of the circuit to whichthe selected symbol corresponds. Receiving the first input can includethe processor 101 receiving, via the user interface 103, a firstuser-input representing a selection of the first symbol. Such aselection of the first symbol can take the form of one of thehotspot-selection types discussed above (e.g., hovering over the firstsymbol, bringing a mouse cursor within a predetermined thresholddistance from the first symbol, or clicking/double-clicking the firstsymbol).

The first input can represent a request for data from the vehicle, suchas a first request for at least one value of the first signal. As such,block 394 includes receiving, from the vehicle in response to receivingthe first input, data representing at least one value of the firstsignal.

The processor 101 can receive such data in various ways. In line withthe discussion above, for instance, in response to receiving the firstinput, a vehicle interface device of the CCS 100 such as the DLCinterface 105 can transmit, directly and/or via the transceiver 104, thefirst request to the vehicle (e.g., the ECU within the vehicle) over anetwork to which CCS 100 is connected, such as the client-to-vehiclenetwork described above. Similar to the requests discussed above, thefirst request in this scenario can include various information thatidentifies the first circuit, the first signal, the ECU within thevehicle, and/or other aspects of the vehicle. To facilitate this inpractice, as noted above, the download can include a first identifier,such as a PID, that identifies the first circuit and/or the firstsignal, and can also include an ECU identifier for identifying the ECU.Upon receipt of the first request, the ECU can responsively obtain, andthen transmit to the CCS 100 over the client-to-vehicle network, aresponse including the value(s) of the first signal. The vehicleinterface device of the CCS 100 can then at some point receive theresponse, from the ECU via the transceiver 104, transmit the response tothe processor 101, and the processor 101 can process the response todetermine the value(s). The response can take the form of a VDM or othertype of message.

As an example, the request can include (i) the client ID, (ii) an ECUidentifier, (iii) a value corresponding to a particular diagnostic modeof operation—namely a value corresponding to a request for parameterdata, and (iv) a PID for a vehicle component (e.g., sensor) with whichthe first circuit is associated (e.g., a PID for a MAP sensor if thefirst circuit is a circuit connected to the MAP sensor). In thisexample, the ECU's response can then include the client ID, the ECUidentifier, the diagnostic mode value, the PID, and the value(s) (e.g.,the latest MAP sensor value). The type of request and content of therequest can vary from vehicle to vehicle and can depend on how thevehicle is configured (e.g., how one or more components of the vehicle,such as the ECU, are configured).

In alternative implementations, the processor 101 can receive thevalue(s) from an electronic measuring instrument (e.g., a digitalvolt-ohmmeter, digital multimeter, or the like) at an electricalmeasurement input to which the electronic measuring instrument isconnected. This can be advantageous in scenarios in which value(s) arerequested for a sensor in which there is no PID data, such as a CKPsensor.

The value(s) received from the vehicle can take various forms. Forinstance, the value(s) can include (i) a baseline value of the firstsignal, (ii) at least one minimum code setting value of the firstsignal, (iii) at least one maximum code setting value of the firstsignal, (iv) a most-recent measured value of the first signal (e.g., asthe first signal is measured in real-time), (v) a minimum measured valueof the first signal, and/or (vi) a maximum measured value of the firstsignal. The “data representing the at least one value of the firstsignal” can include one or more of these values (e.g., the most-recentmeasured value, the minimum measured value, and the maximum measuredvalue. In some scenarios, receiving the data can involve receiving allof these values at substantially the same time. In other scenarios,receiving the data can involve receiving one or more of these values atone point in time and then later receiving a different one or more ofthese values at another point in time.

A “baseline value” is a value captured at some point in time from ameasurement carried out on the vehicle (or on other vehicles of the sameYMM of the vehicle), such as a measurement carried out by a digitalvolt-ohmmeter or a diagnostic scan tool that interrogates the ECU forPID values. As a general matter, baseline values can be stored withoperating characteristics, such as engine RPM or temperature. Further,baseline values can obtained when a vehicle is operating without fault.As such, data values captured when the vehicle is operating with a faultcan be compared to the baseline values, thereby giving the vehicle orthe technician an indication as to what the fault is (the baselinevalues could also be compared with data values when the vehicle isoperating without fault to provide confirmation the vehicle is operatingas expected). Still further, the baseline values can also be obtainedfor a single unique vehicle and compared to data values captured laterfrom that same exact vehicle. Yet still further, any baseline value cantake the form of a single value (e.g., 4.65 V) or a range of values(e.g., 4.5-4.8 V).

A “code setting value” is set by the vehicle manufacturer engineers whendeveloping the vehicle, and refers to a signal value that the ECU of thevehicle uses to set a given DTC from not active to active.

Any one or more of these values discussed above can be included with thedownload rather than received by the CCS 100 from the vehicle inresponse to the first request. For instance, the download can include abaseline value of the first signal, whereas other values of the firstsignal are received from the vehicle in response to the first request.In particular, the baseline value and/or the code setting value(s) canbe known by the vehicle (or possibly by the SCS 4 or other entity fromwhich the CCS 100 could receive such values) prior to receiving thedownload or received as part of the download, whereas values such as themost-recent measured value and the minimum/maximum measured values canbe values captured in the time since the download wasassembled/received.

In some scenarios, the first request can indicate a request for only onemost-recent measured value of the first signal, and accordingly, the ECUcan provide such a value. In other scenarios, however, the first requestcan indicate a request for repeated (e.g., continuous or periodic)most-recent measured values of the first signal in real-time (e.g., arequest to provide the CCS 100 with updated measured values every 100milliseconds (ms)). To facilitate this in practice, the ECU can beconfigured to interpret the first request such that the ECU is thentriggered to enter a mode in which the ECU will repeatedly transmit theupdated values (e.g., every 100 ms). Alternatively, if the ECU is notconfigured to enter such a mode, the user-selection of the first circuitcan trigger the CCS 100 to repeatedly transmit to the ECU a request fora single, updated most-recent measured value. For example, the CCS 100can transmit a request for a single, updated most-recent measured valueevery 100 ms. Most-recent measured values can be requested/received inother manners as well.

In scenarios where the CCS 100 repeatedly receives most-recent measuredvalues, the CCS 100 can use such values to update any previous minimumor maximum measured values. For example, if the CCS 100 at one pointreceives a maximum measured value of 5 volts (V), but later receives amost-recent measured value of 6 V, the CCS 100 can adjust the maximummeasured value to be 6 V. Alternatively, the ECU itself can provideupdated minimum or maximum measured values.

Referring back to the set 390, block 395 next includes determining afirst display-location on the display at which to display the datarepresenting the at least one value of the first signal. Block 396 thenincludes displaying, on the display at the first display-location whilethe image and the at least one symbol are displayed on the display, thedata representing the at least one value of the first signal.

In some examples, the processor 101 can determine the firstdisplay-location to be proximate in space on the DUI to a location atwhich the first circuit is being displayed on the DUI. Similarly, inexamples where data for other circuits is displayed, the processor 101can determine respective display-locations for such data that areproximate to the corresponding circuits. Herein, the term “proximate”can refer to a location of one graphical element on a DUI (e.g., theimage, the first symbol, the data representing the at least one value ofthe first signal, etc.) being within a threshold extent of pixels fromanother graphical element on the DUI—namely, such that a user viewingthe DUI could appreciate that the two graphical elements are associatedwith one another.

Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, the user interface 103can display connector lines that connect one graphical element toanother graphical element with which the one graphical element isassociated. Such connector lines can appear on the DUI as a way toindicate to a user viewing the DUI that the two graphical elements areassociated with one another, regardless of whether the two graphicalelements are proximate to one another. Examples of connector lines 401,403, 405, and 407 are shown in FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , and/or 11.

In some embodiments, displaying the data representing the value(s) ofthe first signal can include the user interface 103 displaying the dataon the DUI such that the data overlays the image, one or more symbols,and/or another area of the DUI. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , thedata can be displayed as a pop-up window proximate to the first symbolin the top-right corner of the DUI and connected via a connector line tothe first symbol so as to indicate that the pop-up window is associatedwith the first symbol (i.e., associated with the first circuit). Thedata can be displayed in other forms as well.

Determining the first display-location can include the processor 101determining that the user interface 103 should display simultaneously,at the first display-location, the most-recent value of the firstsignal, the minimum value of the first signal, and the maximum value ofthe first signal. Accordingly, displaying the data representing thevalue(s) of the first signal can include the user interface 103displaying simultaneously, at the first display-location, themost-recent value of the first signal, the minimum value of the firstsignal, and the maximum value of the first signal.

In scenarios where the CCS 100 receives at least one minimum codesetting value of the first signal and/or at least one maximum codesetting value of the first signal, determining the firstdisplay-location can include the processor 101 determining that the userinterface 103 should display simultaneously, at the firstdisplay-location, the data and the minimum and/or maximum code settingvalues (e.g., displaying simultaneously the most-recent value of thefirst signal, the minimum value of the first signal, the maximum valueof the first signal, and the minimum and maximum code setting values).The user interface 103 can then display simultaneously, at the firstdisplay-location, the data and the minimum and/or maximum code settingvalues.

In some embodiments, the processor 101 can also determine a seconddisplay-location on the DUI at which to display the baseline valueassociated with the first circuit, and then the user interface 103 candisplay the baseline value at the second display-location while alsodisplaying the image and the at least one symbol. The seconddisplay-location can be distinct from the first display-location or canbe substantially the same location.

In some implementations, the image can include a first portionrepresentative of a first circuit and additionally include at least oneother portion representative of at least one other circuit that isrelated to the first circuit and configured for carrying respectivesignals within the vehicle. For instance, the image can include a firstportion representative of a first circuit and additionally a secondportion representative of a second circuit that is related to the firstcircuit and configured for carrying a second signal within the vehicle.

Circuits that are “related” are circuits on and/or within a vehicle thatare commonly inspected to diagnose a common vehicle condition (e.g., acustomer complaint or vehicle symptom). A person skilled in the art willunderstand that in some instances only one of multiple related circuitsneed to be inspected to diagnose a common vehicle condition ifinspection of that one circuit occurs prior to inspection of the othercircuit(s) and is found to be the cause of the vehicle condition. Aperson skilled in the art will understand that multiple related circuitsmay comprise circuits inspected to certify that a service action hassuccessfully resolved the common vehicle condition. As an example, anelectrical ground circuit and a battery voltage supply circuit to acommon ECU can be related as such circuits are commonly inspected whendiagnosing a vehicle condition pertaining to the common ECU. As yetanother example, multiple circuits identified in a diagnostic flowchartproduced for and/or by a vehicle manufacturer to diagnose a particularvehicle condition are related circuits as those multiple circuits arecommonly inspected during performance of the diagnostic flowchart. Forinstance, a circuit connected to a MAP sensor and a circuit connected toan ambient air temperature sensor can be related as both of thosecircuits can be identified in a single diagnostic flowchart andinspected during performance of the flowchart.

Further, circuits can be deemed to be “related” when they are connectedin parallel and share the same ground and/or power source.

In such implementations, the act of displaying the image can, in somescenarios, involve the user interface 103 displaying both the first andsecond portions of the image together (i.e., displays both the first andsecond circuits) such that both appear in view in the DUI.Alternatively, in other scenarios, the act of displaying the image caninvolve the user interface 103 displaying the first portion withoutdisplaying the second portion (i.e., displays only the first circuit atfirst). This can happen for various reasons. For instance, in order tohave a sufficiently-sized view of the first circuit on the DUI, it canbe desirable to display the first circuit (and perhaps other circuitsthat are close in proximity to the first circuit in the vehicle), butnot display any of the related circuits such as the second circuit thatare located remotely from the first circuit in the vehicle (e.g., onesensor can be located near one end of the vehicle and the other sensorcan be located near the opposite end of the vehicle, and thus thecircuits for these sensors may not be displayed together at the sametime).

In either scenario, the user interface 103 can also display — either atthe first display-location with the data representing the at least onevalue of the first signal (e.g., in the same pop-up window as the data)or at a different location — a selection graphic associated with thesecond circuit. Displaying the selection graphic can include the userinterface 103 displaying a check box, radio button, etc. within the DUI.At some point after the user interface 103 displays the selectiongraphic, the processor 101 can receive an input corresponding toselection of the selection graphic. For example, such an input can takethe form of a user checking a check box.

In response to receiving the input, the CCS 100 can perform variousactions. For example, in the scenario in which both the first and secondportions of the image are being displayed, the processor 101 can receivedata representing at least one value of the second signal. The act ofthe processor 101 receiving such data can occur in any manner discussedabove (e.g., CCS 100 transmits request to the ECU, the ECU responds,etc.). The processor 101 can then determine a second-display location onthe DUI at which to display the data representing the value(s) of thesecond signal, and the user interface 103 can display the datarepresenting the value(s) of the second signal while displaying theimage, the at least one symbol, and the data representing the value(s)of the first signal.

On the other hand, in the scenario in which first portion of the imageis displayed without the second portion of the image, in response toreceiving the input, (i) the processor 101 can receive the datarepresenting the value(s) of the second signal and (ii) the userinterface 103 can display the second portion of the image on the DUI.The user interface 103 displaying the second portion of the image on theDUI can involve displaying the second portion of the image whiledisplaying the first portion of the image. For example, displaying thesecond portion of the image while displaying the first portion of theimage can involve displaying both the first and second portions of theimage such that they take up substantially the same amount of space onthe DUI. As another example, displaying the second portion of the imagewhile displaying the first portion of the image can involve displayingboth the first and second portions of the image such that they take updifferent amounts of space on the DUI. As a more particular example, theinput can trigger the user interface 103 to animate the DUI such that azoomed-out view of the first portion of the image is shown while azoomed-in view of the second portion of the image is shown. Otherexamples are possible as well.

Alternatively, the user interface 103 displaying the second portion ofthe image on the DUI can involve displaying the second portion of theimage without displaying the first portion of the image. For instance,displaying the second portion of the image without displaying the firstportion of the image can involve the user interface 103 replacing thefirst portion of the image with the second portion of the image—eitherat the same display-location on the DUI, at a differentdisplay-location, or perhaps on a new webpage. As a more particularexample, the input can trigger the user interface 103 to animate the DUIsuch that the first portion of the image disappears (e.g., zoom out ofthe image until the first portion is no longer visible) and the secondportion of the image automatically appears (e.g., zoom into the imageuntil the second portion is visible). Other examples are possible aswell.

The processor 101 can then determine a second-display location on theDUI at which to display the data representing the value(s) of the secondsignal, and the user interface 103 can display the data representing thevalue(s) of the second signal while displaying the image, the at leastone symbol, and the data representing the value(s) of the first signal.In either scenario, the second display-location can be the same as ordistinct from the first display-location.

In these scenarios described above, all portions of the image can bereceived as part of the initial download, or can alternatively bereceived at different points in time. For example, upon selection of theselection graphic, the CCS 100 can (i) transmit to the SCS 4 a requestfor an additional portion of the image representing the relatedcircuit(s) (or a new image entirely that represents the relatedcircuit(s), for that matter), (ii) receive from the SCS 4 the requestedportion of the image (or new image), and (iii) display the requestedportion of the image (or new image). Other examples are possible aswell.

In some scenarios, certain values that the CCS 100 receives and the userinterface 103 displays can be different from what might be considerednormal. For instance, a value being above or below an expected value(e.g., a code setting value or even a minimum/maximum measured value)can possibly indicate a fault. In such scenarios, the user interface 103can display abnormal values in a manner that indicates to the technicianthat the values are abnormal. By way of example, the user interface 103can display a box around an abnormal value, change the color of the textof the abnormal value, or highlight the abnormal value in some othermanner. Other examples are possible as well.

VI. Additional Example Display User Interfaces

FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , and FIG. 11 show an example CCS-provided DUI400 at three different points in time during a session for aninteractive vehicle diagnostic display. In particular, the DUI 400 showsthat the interactive vehicle diagnostic display is in the form of a webpage in an Internet browser. The CCS that provides the DUI 400 can beany client configured like the CCS 2 or the CCS 100, and can provide theDUI 400 by way of a user interface configured like the user interface103 of CCS 100. The DUI 400 includes an image representing a portion ofa wiring harness for a vehicle having a particular YMME. Although theDUI 400 does not show the YMME associated with the vehicle component, insome scenarios the YMME can be displayed as part of the DUI 400. Otherexamples of ways in which a DUI can represent an interactive vehiclediagnostic display are also possible. Other examples of vehiclecomponents that can be displayed are also possible.

FIG. 8 shows the DUI 400 including an image of a wiring harness 402similar to the wiring harness 302 shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 . Displayedas part of the image 402 are the following: a first circuit 404, asecond circuit 406, a third circuit 408, a connector 409 holding thethree circuits together, a MAP sensor 410 connected to the wiringharness, and a text label 411 for the MAP sensor 410. Although notlabeled as part of the image 402, in this example scenario the firstcircuit 404 is an air flow circuit, the second circuit 406 is a MAPsensor ground circuit, and the third circuit 408 is a MAP sensor voltagesource circuit.

As noted above, in practice, a download that the CCS receives caninclude image data representative of a full image of the wiring harness,but the CCS may not display the entire image at once. Rather, the CCScan display only a portion of the image, but the DUI 400 can enable auser to navigate to other portions of the image. For example, in orderto view other portions of the image, such as portions representative ofadditional circuits and sensors, the CCS can provide as part of the DUI400 one or more user-selectable navigation tools, such as navigationarrows that, when selected, cause a different portion of the image to bedisplayed. Other examples are possible as well.

In particular, FIG. 8 shows the DUI 400 after selection of the firstcircuit 404 (i.e., after selection of a first symbol, which can bedisplayed in the same pixel region as the image of the first circuit 404appears). In alternate embodiments, the MAP sensor 410 can be a hotspotitself rather than the first circuit. In such embodiments, the firstsymbol can be associated with the MAP sensor instead of with the firstcircuit, and can be displayed in the same pixel region as the image ofthe MAP sensor 410 appears. Accordingly, after selection of the MAPsensor 410, the DUI 400 can appear in the same manner shown in FIG. 8 ,or can appear in a different manner.

In response to the selection of the first circuit 404, the CCS 100 (viathe DLC interface) can request a VDM and receive a VDM including datarepresenting value(s) of a first signal carried by the first circuit404, and the user interface 103 can then display that data. As such, theDUI 400 shown in FIG. 8 also includes a first pop-up window 412connected via a connector line to the first circuit 404 so as toindicate that the first pop-up window 412 is associated with the firstcircuit 404. Below the first pop-up window 412 is a text label, “AirFlow Circuit”, identifying the first circuit 404. The first pop-upwindow 412 includes various value(s) received by the CCS 100 from theECU of the vehicle for the air flow circuit, such as (i) a maximummeasured voltage 414 (depicted as 4.8 V at the illustrated point intime), (ii) a maximum code setting voltage 416 (depicted as 5.0 V at theillustrated point in time), (iii) a most-recent measured voltage 418(depicted as 4.7 V at the illustrated point in time), (iv) a minimummeasured voltage 420 (depicted as 4.5 V at the illustrated point intime), and (v) a minimum code setting voltage 422 (depicted as 0.0 V atthe illustrated point in time). Some of these values can be “live”(i.e., real-time), such as the most-recent measured voltage 418, in linewith the discussion above. The maximum measured voltage 414 and theminimum measured voltage 420 can also be considered to be “live” values,as the ECU can provide adjusted minimum/maximum measured voltage valuesbased on how the most-recent measured voltage 418 changes. Further, someof these values can be predetermined, static values that were receivedwith the download, such as the maximum code setting voltage 416 and theminimum code setting voltage 422.

In the alternate embodiments discussed above in which the MAP sensor 410is selected, the first pop-up window 412 and/or any other pop-up windowsdiscussed herein can be displayed in response.

In practice, other pop-up windows associated with other circuits cantake forms similar to that of the first pop-up window 412 or can takeother forms.

As shown, the first pop-up window 412 also includes a “Related Circuits”selection graphic 423 depicted as an unchecked check box.

Further, selection of the first circuit 404 can also trigger the userinterface 103 to display on the DUI 400 a baseline pop-up window 424including a baseline voltage 425 (depicted as 4.65 V). The baselinepop-up window also includes an operating range for similar vehiclesoperating normally/properly. For instance, the maximum measured voltage426 across multiple vehicles is depicted as 5.0 V and the minimummeasured voltage 427 across multiple vehicles is depicted as 4.4 V. Thebaseline voltage 425, maximum measured voltage 426, and/or minimummeasured voltage 427 can be received with the initial download anddisplayed on the DUI 400 only when the first circuit 404 is selected, orcan be requested and received from the vehicle in response to theselection of the first circuit 404 and then also displayed on the DUI400 in response to the selection of the first circuit 404. The baselinevoltage 425 can indicate voltage(s) previously measured on a circuitconnected to the MAP sensor in the vehicle and/or can indicatevoltage(s) previously measured on a circuit connected to the same typeof MAP sensor in one or more other vehicles. A person skilled in the artwill understand that the baseline pop-up window 424 can display baselinemeasurements other than a voltage, such as a frequency, resistance,duty-cycle, amperage, etc.

In some scenarios, a measured value for a given circuit can be out ofrange of the maximum and minimum measured values, which can indicate aproblem with the circuit. In such scenario it may be desirable for theCCS 100 to cause the user interface 103 to display on the DUI 400 awalkthrough/guide of how to potentially diagnose the problem, such as byprompting the technician to use a measuring tool and guiding thetechnician step-by-step to measure values of circuits that areassociated with the problem circuit, but for which there is no PID data.Examples of such circuits are the ground and source voltage. FIGS. 9-10show an example of such a scenario.

In particular, FIG. 9 shows the DUI 400 in an example scenario after themost-recent measured voltage 418 (depicted as 0.1 V at the illustratedpoint in time) is out of range (e.g., out of the 4.4-5.0 V baselineoperating range), thus indicating a problem with the MAP sensor. Theout-of-range most-recent measured voltage 418 can trigger the userinterface 103 to display on the DUI 400 (i) a second pop-up window 428and (ii) a walkthrough pop-up window 429. Below the second pop-up window428 is a text label, “MAP Sensor Ground”, identifying the second circuit406. The second pop-up window 428 includes two values for the MAP sensorground: (i) an expected value 430 for the second circuit 406 (depictedas 0.0 V at the illustrated point in time) and (ii) a most-recentmeasured value 431. The most-recent measured value 431 is depicted asblank at the illustrated point in time, but can be populated with anactual voltage value once the technician has performed the measurementon the second circuit 406. The technician can then compare themost-recent measured value 431 with the expected value 430 to determinewhether there is a problem with the second circuit 406.

To facilitate this, the walkthrough pop-up window 429 includes across-sectional view of the connector 409 of the wiring harness,including cross-sectional views of pin-outs for the first circuit 404,the second circuit 406, and the third circuit 408. As shown at thispoint in time of the step-by-step walkthrough, the pin-out for thesecond circuit 406 is highlighted, identifying for the technician whichcircuit should be measured. In some implementations, the walkthroughpop-up window 429 can generally include information describing invarious levels of detail how to perform the measurement. (In alternateimplementations, the walkthrough pop-up window 429 can include pin-outsfor other circuits that are related to the MAP sensor, such as anambient air temperature sensor voltage source circuit.)

FIG. 10 shows the DUI 400 at a different point in time in the examplescenario discussed above in which the most-recent measured voltage 418(still depicted as 0.1 V) out of range. The DUI 400 shows third pop-upwindow 432, which the user interface 103 can display after thetechnician has provided user-input indicating that measurement of thesecond circuit 406 is complete, after a predetermined period of time hasexpired (e.g., five minutes), before the second pop-up window isdisplayed on the DUI 400, or at some other point in time, possibly inresponse to some other trigger event. Below the third pop-up window 432is a text label, “MAP Sensor Voltage Source”, identifying the thirdcircuit 408. The third pop-up window 432 includes two values for the MAPsensor voltage source: (i) an expected value 433 for the third circuit408 (depicted as 5.0 V at the illustrated point in time) and (ii) amost-recent measured value 434. Again, the most-recent measured value434 is depicted as blank at the illustrated point in time, but can bepopulated with an actual voltage value once the technician has performedthe measurement on the third circuit 408. The technician can thencompare the most-recent measured value 431 with the expected value 430to determine whether there is a problem with the third circuit 408.

To facilitate this, in line with the discussion above, the walkthroughpop-up window 429 again includes a cross-sectional view of the connector409 of the wiring harness, including cross-sectional views of pin-outsfor the first circuit 404, the second circuit 406, and the third circuit408. However, as shown at this different point in time of thestep-by-step walkthrough, the pin-out for the third circuit 408 ishighlighted, again identifying for the technician which circuit shouldbe measured.

It should be understood that the second pop-up window 428, the thirdpop-up window 432, and/or any other type of information with the secondand third circuits can be displayed on the DUI 400 in response totrigger events other than an out-of-range value. For instance, thesecond pop-up window 428 and the third pop-up window 432 can bedisplayed on the DUI 400 in response to a selection of the selectiongraphic 423.

FIG. 11 shows the DUI 400 at a different point in time during a session.In particular, FIG. 11 shows the DUI 400 in an example scenario afterselection of the selection graphic 423. The selection graphic 423 isdepicted as checked check box. In this scenario, after selection of theselection graphic 423, the user interface 103 displays another image 435(which can also be considered another portion of image 402) a wiringharness that was not previously displayed. In doing so, the userinterface 103 can zoom out on image 402 as shown such that image 402 issmaller, and display the other image 435 while also displaying image402. Displayed as part of the other image 435 are the following: afourth circuit 436, a fifth circuit 437, a sixth circuit 438, and anambient air temperature sensor 439 connected to the wiring harness.Although not labeled as part of the other image 435, in this examplescenario the fourth circuit 434 is an ambient air temperature sensorcircuit (signal values of which would indicate the ambient airtemperature of the vehicle), the fifth circuit 437 is an ambient airtemperature ground circuit (which could be a common ground sharedbetween multiple sensors, or could be a separate ground), and the sixthcircuit 438 is an ambient air temperature sensor voltage source circuit.

The DUI 400 also includes a fourth pop-up window 440 connected via aconnector line to the fourth circuit 436 so as to indicate that thefirst pop-up window 440 is associated with the fourth circuit 436. Belowthe fourth pop-up window 440 is a text label, “Ambient Air TemperatureSensor Circuit”, identifying the fourth circuit 436. The fourth pop-upwindow 440 includes five value received by the CCS 100 from the ECU ofthe vehicle for the ambient air temperature sensor circuit, such as (i)a maximum measured voltage 442 (depicted as 4.9 V at the illustratedpoint in time), (ii) a maximum code setting voltage 443 (depicted as 5.0V at the illustrated point in time), (iii) a most-recent measuredvoltage 444 (depicted as 4.9 V at the illustrated point in time), (iv) aminimum measured voltage 445 (depicted as 4.5 V at the illustrated pointin time), and (v) a minimum code setting voltage 446 (depicted as 0.0 Vat the illustrated point in time).

In practice, the fourth pop-up window 440 can be displayed automaticallyas a further action performed by the CCS 100 in response to theselection of the selection graphic 423 (e.g., perhaps if the fourthcircuit 436 is deemed to be closely related to the first circuit 404),or alternatively can be displayed in response to a user selection of thefourth circuit 436.

VII. Example Computing Systems

As described above, the computing systems described herein can be any ofa number of different types of computing systems. FIG. 12 is afunctional block diagram illustrating an example computing system 450used in a computing system that is arranged in accordance with at leastsome embodiments described herein. In a basic configuration 451, thecomputing system 450 can typically include one or more processors 452and system memory 454. A memory bus 459 can be used for communicatingbetween the processor 452 and the system memory 454. Depending on thedesired configuration, processor 452 can be of any type including butnot limited to a microprocessor (μP), a microcontroller (μC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), or any combination thereof. A memory controller453 can also be used with the processor 452, or in some implementations,the memory controller 453 can be an internal part of the processor 452.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 454 can be ofany type including but not limited to volatile memory (such as RAM),non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or any combinationthereof. System memory 454 can include one or more applications 455, andprogram data 457. The application 455 can include an algorithm 456 thatis arranged to perform the functions described as being performed by theCRPI 109 or other functions described in this description. The programdata 457 can include system data 458 that could be directed to anynumber of types of data, such as one more of the following types ofdata: the CCS ID 110, the VDM 114, the captured data 115, and/or theserver data 118. In some example embodiments, the applications 455 canbe arranged to operate with the program data 457 on an operating systemexecutable by the processor 452.

The computing system 450 can have additional features or functionality,and additional interfaces to facilitate communications between the basicconfiguration 451 and any devices and interfaces. For example, datastorage devices 460 can be provided including removable storage devices461, non-removable storage devices 462, or a combination thereof.Examples of removable storage and non-removable storage devices includemagnetic disk devices such as flexible disk drives and hard-disk drives(HDD), optical disk drives such as compact disc (CD) drives and/ordigital versatile disk (DVD) drives, solid state drives (SSD), and tapedrives to name a few. Computer storage media can include volatile andnonvolatile, non-transitory, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable program instructions, data structures, programmodules, and/or other data such as the data stored in computer-readablemedium 102 and 134.

The system memory 454 and the storage devices 460 are examples ofcomputer-readable medium, such as the computer-readable medium 102. Thesystem memory 454 and the storage devices 460 can include, but is notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory and/or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) and/or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage and/orother magnetic storage devices, and/or any other medium which can beused to store the desired information and which can be accessed by thecomputing system 450.

The computing system 450 can include or be implemented as a portion of asmall-form factor portable (i.e., mobile) electronic device such as asmartphone (e.g., an IPHONE® smartphone from Apple Inc. of Cupertino,California, or a GALAXY S® smartphone from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Of Maetan-Dong, Yeongtong-Gu Suwon-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea),a tablet device (e.g., an IPAD® tablet device from Apple Inc., or a

SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB tablet device from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.), ora wearable computing device (e.g., a wireless web-watch device or apersonal headset device). The CRPI 109, the application 455, and/or theprogram data 457 can include an application downloaded to a transceiver73, 104, and/or 133, or the communication interfaces 467 from the APPSTORE® online retail store, from the GOOGLE PLAY® online retail store,or another source of the applications or the CRPI described herein.

Additionally or alternatively, the computing system 450 can includeand/or be implemented as a personal computing system (including bothlaptop computer and non-laptop computer configurations), and/or aserver. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods can be implemented asCRPI encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage media in amachine-readable format, and/or on other non-transitory media orarticles of manufacture.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating a conceptual partial view of anexample computer program product 480 that includes a computer programfor executing a computer process on a computing system, arrangedaccording to at least some embodiments presented herein.

The computing system 450 can also include output interfaces 463 that caninclude a graphics processing unit 464, which can be configured tocommunicate to various external devices such as display devices 466and/or speakers via one or more A/V ports 465 or a communicationinterface 467. The communication interface 467 can include a networkcontroller 468, which can be arranged to facilitate communications withone or more other computing systems 470 over a network communication viaone or more communication ports 469. The communication connection is oneexample of a communication media. Communication media can be embodied bycomputer-readable program instructions, data structures, programmodules, and/or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliverymedia. A modulated data signal can be a signal that has one or more ofits characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media can include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radiofrequency (RF), infrared (IR) and other wireless media.

In one embodiment, the example computer program product 480 is providedusing a signal bearing medium 481. The signal bearing medium 481 caninclude one or more programming instructions 482 that, when executed byone or more processors can provide functionality or portions of thefunctionality described above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 . In some examples, the signal bearing medium 481can encompass a computer-readable medium 483, such as, but not limitedto, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD),a digital tape, and/or any other CRM described herein. In someimplementations, the signal bearing medium 481 can encompass a computerrecordable medium 484, such as, but not limited to, memory, read/write(R/W) CDs, R/W DVDs, etc. In some implementations, the signal bearingmedium 481 can encompass a communications medium 485, such as, but notlimited to, a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., afiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wirelesscommunication link, etc.). Thus, for example, the signal bearing medium481 can be conveyed by a wireless form of the communications medium 485(e.g., a wireless communications medium conforming to the IEEE 802.11standard or another transmission protocol).

The one or more programming instructions 482 can be, for example,computer executable and/or logic implemented instructions. In someexamples, a computing system such as the computing system 450 of FIG. 12can be configured to provide various operations, functions, and/oractions in response to the programming instructions 482 conveyed to thecomputing system 450 by one or more of the computer-readable medium 483,the computer recordable medium 484, and/or the communications medium485.

The processor 101 of CCS 100 or another processor can be configured asthe processor 452. The CRM 102 of CCS 100 or another CRM can beconfigured as part of or all of the system memory 454 or the storagedevices 460. The user interface 103 of CCS 100 or another user interfacecan be configured as part of or all of the output interfaces 463 and thedisplay device(s) 466. The transceiver 104 of CCS 100 or anothertransceiver can be configured as part of or all of the communicationinterfaces 467.

VII. Conclusion

In this description, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used tointroduce elements and/or functions of the example embodiments. Theintent of using those articles is that there is one or more of theintroduced elements and/or functions. In this description, the intent ofusing the term “and/or” within a list of at least two elements orfunctions and the intent of using the terms “at least one of” and “oneor more of” immediately preceding a list of at least two elements orfunctions is to cover each embodiment including a listed element orfunction independently and each embodiment comprising a combination ofthe listed elements or functions. For example, an embodiment describedas comprising “A, B, and/or C,” or “at least one of A, B, and C,” or“one or more of A, B, and C” is intended to cover each of the followingpossible embodiments: (i) an embodiment comprising A, but not B and C,(ii) an embodiment comprising B, but not A and C, (iii) an embodimentcomprising C, but not A and B, (iv) an embodiment comprising A and B,but not C, (v) an embodiment comprising A and C, but not B, (v) anembodiment comprising B and C, but not A, and (vi) an embodimentcomprising A, B, and C. For the embodiments comprising element orfunction A, the embodiments can comprise one A or multiple A. For theembodiments comprising element or function B, the embodiments cancomprise one B or multiple B. For the embodiments comprising element orfunction C, the embodiments can comprise one C or multiple C.

In this description, the terms “data,” “information,” and “content” areused interchangeably. The data can be transmitted and received. As anexample, the transmission of the data can occur directly from atransmitting device (e.g., a transmitter) to a receiving device (e.g., areceiver). As another example, the transmission of the data can occurindirectly from the transmitter to a receiver via one of one or moreintermediary network devices, such as an access point, an antenna, abase station, a hub, a modem, a relay, a router, a switch, and/or someother network device. The transmission of the data can includetransmitting the data over an air interface (e.g., using radio signals(i.e., wirelessly)). The transmission of the data can includetransmitting the data over a wire (e.g., a single wire, a twisted pairof wires, a fiber optic cable, a coaxial cable, a wiring harness, apower line, a printed circuit, a CAT5 cable, and/or CAT6 cable). Thewire can be referred to as a “conductor” and/or by another term. As anexample, transmission of the data over the conductor can occurelectrically or optically.

The data can represent various things such as objects and conditions.The objects and conditions can be mapped to a data structure (e.g., atable). A processor can refer to the data structure to determine whatobject and/or condition is represented by the data. As an example, thedata received by a processor can represent a calendar date. Theprocessor can determine the calendar date by comparing the data to adata structure that defines calendar dates. As another example, datareceived by a processor can represent a vehicle component. The processorcan determine what type of vehicle component is represented by the databy comparing the data to a structure that defines a variety of vehiclecomponents.

The diagrams, flow charts, and other data shown in the figures areprovided merely as examples and are not intended to be limiting. Many ofthe elements illustrated in the figures and/or described herein arefunctional elements that can be implemented as discrete or distributedelements and/or in conjunction with other elements, and in any suitablecombination and location. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatother arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions,orders, and/or groupings of functions) can be used instead. Furthermore,various functions described as being performed by one or more elementscan be carried out by a processor executing computer-readable programinstructions (CRPI) and/or by a combination of hardware, firmware,and/or software. For purposes of this description, execution of CRPIcontained in some computer-readable medium to perform some function caninclude executing all of the program instructions of those CRPI or onlya portion of those CRPI.

Example embodiments have been described above. Those skilled in the artwill understand that changes and modifications can be made to thedescribed embodiments without departing from the true scope and spiritof the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may thus relate to one of theenumerated example embodiments (EEEs) listed below.

EEE 1 is a method comprising: receiving, by at least one processorconnected to a display, a download including (i) an image representativeof a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol,(iii) a set of selectable identifiers, the set including one or moreselectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associatedwith the vehicle component, wherein each selectable identifier of theset indicates a respective portion of the supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component and, when selected, causes thedisplay to display the respective portion of the supplementalinformation; displaying, on the display after receiving the download,the image and the first symbol without displaying the set of selectableidentifiers; receiving, by the at least one processor while the imageand the first symbol are displayed on the display without the set ofselectable identifiers, a first input corresponding to selection of thefirst symbol; displaying, on the display in response to receiving thefirst input, the set of selectable identifiers; receiving, by the atleast one processor while the set of selectable identifiers isdisplayed, a second input corresponding to selection of a firstselectable identifier from the displayed set of selectable identifiers;and displaying, on the display in response to receiving the secondinput, the respective portion of the supplemental information indicatedby the first selectable identifier.

EEE 2 is the method of EEE 1, wherein the download further includesservice estimate information, wherein the service estimate informationincludes at least one of cost information indicating a price of thevehicle component and labor information pertaining to servicing of thevehicle component, and wherein the method further comprises: displaying,on the display while displaying the set of selectable identifiers, theservice estimate information and at least one selection graphicassociated with the service estimate information; receiving, by the atleast one processor, a third input corresponding to selection of the atleast one selection graphic associated with the service estimateinformation; and outputting, by the at least one processor in responseto receiving the third input corresponding to selection of the at leastone selection graphic associated with the service estimate information,a request to generate or update a service estimate based on the serviceestimate information.

EEE 3 is the method of EEE 1 or 2, wherein the supplemental informationincludes one or more of (i) a component test information, (ii) areal-fix information, (iii) a removal and replacement information, (iv)a connector view information, (v) a component location information, (vi)a technical service bulletin information, (vii) a top diagnostic troublecode information, (viii) a top symptom information, (ix) a parameteridentifier (PID) value information, (x) a baseline data information,(xi) a vehicle component calibration information, and (xii) a vehiclecomponent reset information.

EEE 4 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-3, further comprising:receiving, by the at least one processor, an identifier of at least onecharacteristic of a vehicle having the vehicle component, andoutputting, by the at least one processor, a request for the download,wherein the request for the download includes the identifier of the atleast one characteristic of the vehicle, wherein receiving the downloadoccurs after transmitting the request for the download.

EEE 5 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-4, wherein the image depicts awiring harness connectable to or part of the vehicle component, whereinthe first symbol is a first symbol for a first circuit within the wiringharness, and wherein the method further comprises: receiving, by the atleast one processor while the image and the first symbol are displayed,an input corresponding to selection of the first symbol for the firstcircuit; in response to receiving the input corresponding to selectionof the first symbol for the first circuit, displaying, on the display,at least one electrical measurement associated with the first circuit.

EEE 6 is the method of EEE 5, wherein the download includes the at leastone electrical measurement associated with the first circuit.

EEE 7 is the method of EEE 5 or 6, further comprising: transmitting, bya vehicle interface device, a request for a data value associated with aparameter identifier (PID) used by the vehicle component, wherein thePID is associated with an electrical signal carried on the firstcircuit; receiving, by the vehicle interface device, the data valueassociated with the PID; converting, by the at least one processor, thedata value associated with PID to obtain the at least one electricalmeasurement.

EEE 8 is the method of any one of EEEs 5-7, further comprising:displaying, on the display in response to receiving the inputcorresponding to selection of the first symbol for the first circuit, atleast one voltage waveform representing multiple electrical measurementscorresponding to the first circuit obtained over a period of time,wherein the at least one voltage waveform comprises a baseline voltagewaveform representing multiple electrical measurements or a voltagewaveform representing multiple electrical measurements obtained from avehicle connected to the display.

EEE 9 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-8, further comprising:displaying, on the display in response to receiving the inputcorresponding to selection of the first symbol for the first circuit, atleast one of a minimum expected value of the at least one electricalmeasurement associated with the first circuit and a maximum expectedvalue of the at least one electrical measurement associated with thefirst circuit.

EEE 10 is the method of EEE 9, wherein the at least one of the minimumexpected value of the at least one electrical measurement associatedwith the first circuit and the maximum expected value of the at leastone electrical measurement associated with the first circuit and the atleast one electrical measurement are displayed in a single graph on thedisplay.

EEE 11 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-10, wherein the symbol dataincludes a default set of coordinate points with respect to a defaultsize of the image, wherein the set of coordinate points include at leastone coordinate point that corresponds to a coordinate point of a griddefined for the display, and wherein the at least one processorestablishes the first symbol based on the default set of coordinatepoints, the grid defined for the display and a zoom level of the imagewith respect to the default size of the image.

EEE 12 is the method of any one of EEEs 1-11, wherein the displayedimage shows at least a portion of the vehicle component.

EEE 13 is a system comprising: a display; at least one processor; anddata storage comprising instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor to cause the system to perform operations comprising:receiving a download including (i) an image representative of a vehiclecomponent, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a setof selectable identifiers, the set including one or more selectableidentifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with thevehicle component, wherein each selectable identifier of the setindicates a respective portion of the supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component and, when selected, causes thedisplay to display the respective portion of the supplementalinformation; displaying, on the display after receiving the download,the image and the first symbol without displaying the set of selectableidentifiers; receiving, while the image and the first symbol aredisplayed on the display without the set of selectable identifiers, afirst input corresponding to selection of the first symbol; displaying,on the display in response to receiving the first input, the set ofselectable identifiers; receiving, while the set of selectableidentifiers is displayed, a second input corresponding to selection of afirst selectable identifier from the displayed set of selectableidentifiers; and displaying, on the display in response to receiving thesecond input, the respective portion of the supplemental informationindicated by the first selectable identifier.

EEE 14 is the system of EEE 13, wherein the download further includesservice estimate information, wherein the service estimate informationincludes at least one of cost information indicating a price of thevehicle component and labor information pertaining to servicing of thevehicle component, and wherein the operations further comprise:displaying, on the display while displaying the set of selectableidentifiers, the service estimate information and at least one selectiongraphic associated with the service estimate information; receiving, bythe at least one processor, a third input corresponding to selection ofthe at least one selection graphic associated with the service estimateinformation; and outputting, by the at least one processor in responseto receiving the third input corresponding to selection of the at leastone selection graphic associated with the service estimate information,a request to generate or update a service estimate based on the serviceestimate information.

EEE 15 is the system of EEE 13 or 14, wherein the supplementalinformation includes one or more of (i) a component test information,(ii) a real-fix information, (iii) a removal and replacementinformation, (iv) a connector view information, (v) a component locationinformation, (vi) a technical service bulletin information, (vii) a topdiagnostic trouble code information, (viii) a top symptom information,(ix) a parameter identifier (PID) value information, (x) a baseline datainformation, (xi) a vehicle component calibration information, and (xii)a vehicle component reset information.

EEE 16 is the system of any one of EEEs 13-15, the operations furthercomprising: receiving, by the at least one processor, an identifier ofat least one characteristic of a vehicle having the vehicle component,and outputting, by the at least one processor, a request for thedownload, wherein the request for the download includes the identifierof the at least one characteristic of the vehicle, wherein receiving thedownload occurs after transmitting the request for the download.

EEE 17 is the system of any one of EEEs 13-16, wherein the image depictsa wiring harness connectable to or part of the vehicle component,wherein the first symbol is a first symbol for a first circuit withinthe wiring harness, and wherein the operations further comprise:receiving, by the at least one processor while the image and the firstsymbol are displayed, an input corresponding to selection of the firstsymbol for the first circuit; in response to receiving the inputcorresponding to selection of the first symbol for the first circuit,displaying, on the display, at least one electrical measurementassociated with the first circuit.

EEE 18 is the system of EEE 17, wherein the download includes the atleast one electrical measurement associated with the first circuit.

EEE 19 is the system of EEE 17 or 18, further comprising a vehicleinterface device, the operations further comprising: transmitting, bythe vehicle interface device, a request for a data value associated witha parameter identifier (PID) used by the vehicle component, wherein thePID is associated with an electrical signal carried on the firstcircuit; receiving, by the vehicle interface device, the data valueassociated with the PID; converting, by the at least one processor, thedata value associated with PID to obtain the at least one electricalmeasurement.

EEE 20 is the system of any one of EEEs 17-19, the operations furthercomprising: displaying, on the display in response to receiving theinput corresponding to selection of the first symbol for the firstcircuit, at least one voltage waveform representing multiple electricalmeasurements corresponding to the first circuit obtained over a periodof time, wherein the at least one voltage waveform comprises a baselinevoltage waveform representing multiple electrical measurements or avoltage waveform representing multiple electrical measurements obtainedfrom a vehicle connected to the display.

EEE 21 is the system of any one of EEEs 13-20, the operations furthercomprising: displaying, on the display in response to receiving theinput corresponding to selection of the first symbol for the firstcircuit, at least one of a minimum expected value of the at least oneelectrical measurement associated with the first circuit and a maximumexpected value of the at least one electrical measurement associatedwith the first circuit.

EEE 22 is the system of EEE 21, wherein the at least one of the minimumexpected value of the at least one electrical measurement associatedwith the first circuit and the maximum expected value of the at leastone electrical measurement associated with the first circuit and the atleast one electrical measurement are displayed in a single graph on thedisplay.

EEE 23 is the system of any one of EEEs 13-22, wherein the symbol dataincludes a default set of coordinate points with respect to a defaultsize of the image, wherein the set of coordinate points include at leastone coordinate point that corresponds to a coordinate point of a griddefined for the display, and wherein the at least one processorestablishes the first symbol based on the default set of coordinatepoints, the grid defined for the display and a zoom level of the imagewith respect to the default size of the image.

EEE 24 is the system of any one of EEEs 13-23, wherein the displayedimage shows at least a portion of the vehicle component.

EEE 25 is a non-transitory computer readable medium having storedthereon instructions that, upon execution by a computing system, causethe computing system to perform operations comprising: receiving, by atleast one processor of the computing system connected to a display ofthe computing system, a download including (i) an image representativeof a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol,(iii) a set of selectable identifiers, the set including one or moreselectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associatedwith the vehicle component, wherein each selectable identifier of theset indicates a respective portion of the supplemental informationassociated with the vehicle component and, when selected, causes thedisplay to display the respective portion of the supplementalinformation; displaying, on the display after receiving the download,the image and the first symbol without displaying the set of selectableidentifiers; receiving, by the at least one processor while the imageand the first symbol are displayed on the display without the set ofselectable identifiers, a first input corresponding to selection of thefirst symbol; displaying, on the display in response to receiving thefirst input, the set of selectable identifiers; receiving, by the atleast one processor while the set of selectable identifiers isdisplayed, a second input corresponding to selection of a firstselectable identifier from the displayed set of selectable identifiers;and displaying, on the display in response to receiving the secondinput, the respective portion of the supplemental information indicatedby the first selectable identifier.

EEE 26 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 25, whereinthe download further includes service estimate information, wherein theservice estimate information includes at least one of cost informationindicating a price of the vehicle component and labor informationpertaining to servicing of the vehicle component, and wherein theoperations further comprise: displaying, on the display while displayingthe set of selectable identifiers, the service estimate information andat least one selection graphic associated with the service estimateinformation; receiving, by the at least one processor, a third inputcorresponding to selection of the at least one selection graphicassociated with the service estimate information; and outputting, by theat least one processor in response to receiving the third inputcorresponding to selection of the at least one selection graphicassociated with the service estimate information, a request to generateor update a service estimate based on the service estimate information.

EEE 27 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 25 or 26,wherein the supplemental information includes one or more of (i) acomponent test information, (ii) a real-fix information, (iii) a removaland replacement information, (iv) a connector view information, (v) acomponent location information, (vi) a technical service bulletininformation, (vii) a top diagnostic trouble code information, (viii) atop symptom information, (ix) a parameter identifier (PID) valueinformation, (x) a baseline data information, (xi) a vehicle componentcalibration information, and (xii) a vehicle component resetinformation.

EEE 28 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of EEEs25-27, the operations further comprising: receiving, by the at least oneprocessor, an identifier of at least one characteristic of a vehiclehaving the vehicle component, and outputting, by the at least oneprocessor, a request for the download, wherein the request for thedownload includes the identifier of the at least one characteristic ofthe vehicle, wherein receiving the download occurs after transmittingthe request for the download.

EEE 29 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of EEEs25-28, wherein the image depicts a wiring harness connectable to or partof the vehicle component, wherein the first symbol is a first symbol fora first circuit within the wiring harness, and wherein the operationsfurther comprise: receiving, by the at least one processor while theimage and the first symbol are displayed, an input corresponding toselection of the first symbol for the first circuit; in response toreceiving the input corresponding to selection of the first symbol forthe first circuit, displaying, on the display, at least one electricalmeasurement associated with the first circuit.

EEE 30 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 29, whereinthe download includes the at least one electrical measurement associatedwith the first circuit.

EEE 31 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 29 or 30,the operations further comprising: transmitting, by a vehicle interfacedevice, a request for a data value associated with a parameteridentifier (PID) used by the vehicle component, wherein the PID isassociated with an electrical signal carried on the first circuit;receiving, by the vehicle interface device, the data value associatedwith the PID; converting, by the at least one processor, the data valueassociated with PID to obtain the at least one electrical measurement.

EEE 32 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of EEEs29-31, the operations further comprising: displaying, on the display inresponse to receiving the input corresponding to selection of the firstsymbol for the first circuit, at least one voltage waveform representingmultiple electrical measurements corresponding to the first circuitobtained over a period of time, wherein the at least one voltagewaveform comprises a baseline voltage waveform representing multipleelectrical measurements or a voltage waveform representing multipleelectrical measurements obtained from a vehicle connected to thedisplay.

EEE 33 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of EEEs25-32, the operations further comprising: displaying, on the display inresponse to receiving the input corresponding to selection of the firstsymbol for the first circuit, at least one of a minimum expected valueof the at least one electrical measurement associated with the firstcircuit and a maximum expected value of the at least one electricalmeasurement associated with the first circuit.

EEE 34 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 33, whereinthe at least one of the minimum expected value of the at least oneelectrical measurement associated with the first circuit and the maximumexpected value of the at least one electrical measurement associatedwith the first circuit and the at least one electrical measurement aredisplayed in a single graph on the display.

EEE 35 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of EEEs25-34, wherein the symbol data includes a default set of coordinatepoints with respect to a default size of the image, wherein the set ofcoordinate points include at least one coordinate point that correspondsto a coordinate point of a grid defined for the display, and wherein theat least one processor establishes the first symbol based on the defaultset of coordinate points, the grid defined for the display and a zoomlevel of the image with respect to the default size of the image.

EEE 36 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of EEEs25-35, wherein the displayed image shows at least a portion of thevehicle component.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing system comprising: a display deviceconfigured to output a display user interface for a sessioncorresponding to use of the display user interface; a transceiverconnectable to a network including a server; a processor; andnon-transitory data storage comprising instructions executable by theprocessor to cause the computing system to: receive, from the server, avector graphics image and a set of selectable identifiers, wherein: thevector graphics image depicts a vehicle component and includes a hotspotcorresponding to the vehicle component, and a first selectableidentifier of the set of selectable identifiers corresponds to aparticular portion of supplemental information associated with thevehicle component; display, on the display user interface, the vectorgraphics image and the hotspot without displaying the set of selectableidentifiers; determine a first input is received, wherein the firstinput corresponds to a selection of the hotspot while the vectorgraphics image and the hotspot are displayed on the display userinterface without displaying the set of selectable identifiers, display,in response to determining receipt of the first input, the set ofselectable identifiers upon the vector graphics image displayed on thedisplay user interface; determine, a second input is received, whereinthe second input corresponds to a selection of the first selectableidentifier from the displayed set of selectable identifiers; andaugment, in response to receiving the second input, a record generatedfor the session based on the particular portion of supplementalinformation associated with the vehicle component.
 2. The computingsystem of claim 1, wherein the vector graphics image includes a wiringdiagram.
 3. The computing system of claim 2, wherein: the instructionsare executable by the processor to cause the computing system to: makean electrical measurement associated with the vehicle component and/oran electrical circuit represented in the wiring diagram, and augment therecord to include the electrical measurement.
 4. The computing system ofclaim 3, further comprising: a vehicle interface device, wherein theinstructions are executable by the processor to cause the computingsystem to: transmit, by the vehicle interface device, a request for adata value associated with a parameter identifier (PID) used by thevehicle component, wherein the PID is associated with an electricalsignal carried on the electrical circuit; receive, by the vehicleinterface device, the data value associated with the PID; and convert,by the processor, the data value associated with PID to obtain theelectrical measurement.
 5. The computing system of claim 1, whereindetermining the first input is received is based on a selection madewhile a cursor is positioned on the display user interface above thehotspot.
 6. The computing system of claim 1, wherein determining thefirst input is received is based on a contact with a portion of thedisplay user interface at which the hotspot is located.
 7. The computingsystem of claim 1, wherein: the record generated for the sessionincludes a service estimate, and the particular portion of supplementalinformation associated with the vehicle component includes a price orlabor time corresponding to the vehicle component.
 8. The computingsystem of claim 1, wherein: the instructions are executable by theprocessor to cause the computing system to receive, from the server,symbol data indicating coordinates defining a region on the display userinterface in which the hotspot is to be displayed, and determining thefirst input is received is based on: a selection made while a cursor ispositioned on the display user interface above the hotspot, or a contactwith a portion of the display user interface at which the hotspot islocated.
 9. The computing system of claim 8, wherein the coordinatesinclude a default set of coordinates corresponding to a size of thedisplay device.
 10. The computing system of claim 1, wherein theinstructions are executable by the processor to cause the computingsystem to generate a record including a history of supplementalinformation output within the display user interface during the session.11. The computing system of claim 10, wherein causing the computingsystem to generate the record including the history of supplementalinformation output within the display user interface during the sessionincludes: storing the record including the history of supplementalinformation output within the display user interface within thenon-transitory data storage during the session.
 12. The computing systemof claim 1, wherein the supplemental information includes one or more offrom among: a component test information, a real-fix information, aremoval and replacement information, a connector view information, acomponent location information, a technical service bulletininformation, a diagnostic trouble code information, a symptominformation, a parameter identifier (PID) value information, a baselinedata information, a vehicle component calibration information, a vehiclecomponent reset information, a related circuit information, a diagnosticflowchart, price information corresponding to the vehicle component, orlabor information corresponding to the vehicle component.
 13. Anon-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereoninstructions that, upon execution by a computing system, cause thecomputing system to: output, on a display device, a display userinterface for a session corresponding to use of the display userinterface; receive, from a server, a vector graphics image and a set ofselectable identifiers, wherein: the vector graphics image depicts avehicle component and includes a hotspot corresponding to the vehiclecomponent, and a first selectable identifier of the set of selectableidentifiers corresponds to a particular portion of supplementalinformation associated with the vehicle component; display, on thedisplay user interface, the vector graphics image and the hotspotwithout displaying the set of selectable identifiers; determine a firstinput is received, wherein the first input corresponds to a selection ofthe hotspot while the vector graphics image and the hotspot aredisplayed on the display user interface without displaying the set ofselectable identifiers, display, in response to determining receipt ofthe first input, the set of selectable identifiers upon the vectorgraphics image displayed on the display user interface; determine, asecond input is received, wherein the second input corresponds to aselection of the first selectable identifier from the displayed set ofselectable identifiers; and augment, in response to receiving the secondinput, a record generated for the session based on the particularportion of supplemental information associated with the vehiclecomponent.
 14. A method comprising: outputting, on a display device, adisplay user interface for a session corresponding to use of the displayuser interface; receiving, from a server, a vector graphics image and aset of selectable identifiers, wherein: the vector graphics imagedepicts a vehicle component and includes a hotspot corresponding to thevehicle component, and a first selectable identifier of the set ofselectable identifiers corresponds to a particular portion ofsupplemental information associated with the vehicle component;displaying, on the display user interface, the vector graphics image andthe hotspot without displaying the set of selectable identifiers;determining a first input is received, wherein the first inputcorresponds to a selection of the hotspot while the vector graphicsimage and the hotspot are displayed on the display user interfacewithout displaying the set of selectable identifiers, displaying, inresponse to determining receipt of the first input, the set ofselectable identifiers upon the vector graphics image displayed on thedisplay user interface; determining, a second input is received, whereinthe second input corresponds to a selection of the first selectableidentifier from the displayed set of selectable identifiers; andaugmenting, in response to receiving the second input, a recordgenerated for the session based on the particular portion ofsupplemental information associated with the vehicle component.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the vector graphics image includes a wiringdiagram.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: making anelectrical measurement associated with the vehicle component and/or anelectrical circuit represented in the wiring diagram, and augmenting therecord to include the electrical measurement.
 17. The method of claim16, further comprising: transmitting, by a vehicle interface device, arequest for a data value associated with a parameter identifier (PID)used by the vehicle component, wherein the PID is associated with anelectrical signal carried on the electrical circuit; receiving, by thevehicle interface device, the data value associated with the PID; andconverting the data value associated with PID to obtain the electricalmeasurement.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving,from the server, symbol data indicating coordinates defining a region onthe display user interface in which the hotspot is to be displayed, andwherein determining the first input is received is based on: a selectionmade while a cursor is positioned on the display user interface abovethe hotspot, or a contact with a portion of the display user interfaceat which the hotspot is located.
 19. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: generating a record including a history of supplementalinformation output within the display user interface during the session.20. The method of claim 19, wherein generating the record including thehistory of supplemental information output within the display userinterface during the session includes: storing the record including thehistory of supplemental information output within the display userinterface within non-transitory data storage during the session.